‘Proper scrutiny’ urged over killer’s parole bid

MP RAISES CASE OF DOUBLE CHILD MURDERER DURING DEBATE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

AN MP has announced the next step in his campaign to ensure the Parole Board’s handling of double killer Colin Pitchfork’s bid for freedom is subject to proper scrutiny.

Pitchfork, pictured, who was jailed in 1988 for raping and murdering schoolgirls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, is due to go before the Parole Board in the near future to argue it would be safe to release him from custody.

He has been able to argue his case to the Parole Board before – including on one occasion last year – but was denied his wish on each occasion.

The case was to be discussed in the House of Commons yesterday after South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa secured Parliamentary time for a debate on the

Parole Board’s handling of the case and those of other high-profile criminals.

Mr Costa, whose constituency covers Narborough and Enderby where the girls and their families lived, said the community was still scarred by the crimes.

Pitchfork raped and murdered Lynda in November 1983, leaving her body near the Black Pad footpath, in Narborough.

He took Dawn’s life in a similar fashion In July 1986, and left her body 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.

Pitchfork was jailed for life, with 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 said: “Pitchfork’s horrific crimes remain a source of tremendous concerns for many of my constituents and news of his upcoming parole hearing is, of course, hugely worrying for so many people across South Leicestershire and the wider country.

“As such, I am pleased to have secured this debate on the effectiveness and transparency of the Parole Board in order to shine a light on the processes and procedures it has in place for high-profile, violent offenders such as Pitchfork and to scrutinise how it arrives at decisions which result in potentially dangerous prisoners being released into our communities.

“In most instances, the Parole Board is the final barrier between offenders and the wider public and as a result, its responsibilities are of the utmost importance.

“In previous years, the parole process has been rather closed-off.

“However I am pleased that in recent times further changes have been made to allow victims and their families to have a greater say in the prospective release of offenders.

“It has also allowed members of the public to be made aware of the rationale behind certain decisions.

“Pitchfork’s case is of extraordinary concern, hence why I will be seeking reassurances from the justice minister to ensure the proper scrutiny is always being provided by the Parole Board in such matters.”

Pitchfork was deemed suitable to be moved to an open prison three years ago. He was later cleared for unescorted days out of prison.

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 reported to be a model prisoner.

Pitchfork’s horrific crimes remain a source of tremendous concerns for many of my constituents Alberto Costa