Child killer will launch fresh bid for freedom later in year
MP urging the parole board not to release Pitchfork
CHILD killer Colin Pitchfork will launch a new attempt to win his freedom later this year, according to an MP.
Pitchfork, who was jailed in 1988 for raping and murdering schoolgirls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, has reportedly been granted permission to attend a parole hearing in the autumn.
He has been able to argue his case to the Parole Board before – including on one occasion last year – but was denied his wish to be released from custody on each occasion.
The development came to light this week after South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa wrote to the Parole Board of England and Wales to ask for an update on the case.
The board has confirmed to Mr Costa that a hearing is scheduled to take place this autumn.
Pitchfork raped and murdered Lynda in November 1983, leaving her body near the
Black Pad footpath, in Narborough. In July 1986, he took Dawn’s life in an identical, brutal fashion and left her body to be found in Ten Pound Lane, also in Narborough.
The murders led to the largest manhunt ever undertaken by Leicestershire Police and Pitchfork became the first criminal in the world to be trapped by the DNA profiling process pioneered by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester.
He was jailed for life for a minimum of 30 years in 1988, although this was later reduced on appeal to 28 years.
Both girls’ families have said on a number of occasions they believe he remains a danger to the public.
Mr Costa, whose constituency covers Narborough and Enderby where the girls’ families lived, has also confirmed he will now write to the Secretary of State for Justice and to the Parole Board to argue against Pitchfork’s release. He said: “On behalf of my constituents, I was pleased to receive this update from the Parole Board with regard to Pitchfork’s case and his ongoing efforts for release on parole.
“His crimes, quite understandably, still live long in the memory for many in South Leicestershire, and his possible release is a real source of concern for many local residents.
“I will soon be writing to both the Parole Board and the Justice Secretary to make a formal submission to the parole panel to ensure that they are fully aware of the heinous nature of Pitchfork’s crimes and to reiterate the deeply held concerns of my constituents.
“The safety and wellbeing of my constituents is, of course, the predominant concern here, and if the decision is granted for Pitchfork’s release on parole, it’s imperative we’re aware of the conditions of his licence. I will be making these inquiries with the Parole Board and Justice Secretary and hope the suitable restrictions will be in place should Pitchfork be granted release.” Pitchfork was deemed suitable to be moved to an open prison three years ago following an assessment by probation officers and other specialists. He was later cleared for unescorted days out of prison and was seen strolling around shops in Bristol city centre in November 2017. If fully released, he would not be allowed anywhere in Leicestershire or to knowingly approach any of the girls’ relatives, wherever they live. He is reportedly a model prisoner.
His crimes still live long in the memory for many and his possible release is a real source of concern