Brutal Double Child Rapist and Murderer to Remain Behind bars: Parole Board decision

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has welcomed the Parole Board’s decision to deny the release of vile double child rapist and murderer Colin Pitchfork, following a decade-long campaign to keep him behind bars.The Parole Board have also decided not to recommended him for open conditions.

Mr Costa, who has campaigned tirelessly since his election in 2015, said he was “reassured” by the Parole Board’s conclusion that Pitchfork still poses a risk to public safety.

Following the parole hearing on Friday 3rd October, the Parole Board has today confirmed the decision to keep Colin Pitchfork behind bars based on the risk that he poses to public safety.

The families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth - the two Leicestershire schoolgirls brutally raped and murdered by Pitchfork in the 1980s - have been informed of the outcome.

Pitchfork, who was the first person in the world to be convicted using DNA evidence, was previously granted parole in 2021, but was recalled to prison shortly after for breaching the conditions of his licence.

The decision is provisional, and under the Parole Board Rules, Pitchfork may apply for reconsideration within the next 21 days. If he does not do so, the decision will become final.

Mr Costa said: “I am relieved by the Parole Board’s decision to keep brutal double child rapist and killer behind bars where he belongs. This news will bring some reassurance to the families of Lynda and Dawn and to the wider public.

“At 65 years old, he still has decades of life ahead of him and the capacity to pose a real risk to the public, that is why I welcome the Parole Board’s decision today. Their job is to assess risk, and it is obvious to me that the world is a far more dangerous place if Pitchfork is released.”

“However, my work is far from over. Colin Pitchfork will still be able to apply for reconsideration which he has done already, and under the current rules, he can do so repeatedly and at no cost.”

“I have consistently made the case to ministers, under both Conservative and Labour government, that the Parole Board’s reconsideration mechanism needs reform. The rules have allowed Pitchfork repeated and endless applications, this must change. This now lies in the hands of the current Labour government, and I will continue fighting to ensure victims' families are not put through this ordeal time and again.”