The new hearing date is listed for Tuesday 24th June. Typically, a decision from Parole Board comes within 14 days from final hearing (unless extended further).
The Parole Board is currently reconsidering its June 2023 decision to release Pitchfork.
The Parole Board’s June 2023 decision to release Colin Pitchfork was challenged following criticism from South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa and public concerns. The Justice Secretary applied for reconsideration in July 2023, leading to a fresh hearing in October 2023 and a December 2023 ruling to keep him in prison. Pitchfork successfully applied for reconsideration of this decision, resulting in further hearings scheduled for late 2024, which were delayed by a pending judicial review against the Parole Board.
Following Pitchfork’s failed legal bid, a Parole Board Panel met in May and June 2025, but they had to adjourn as there was insufficient time to hear all the evidence. The victims’ families have been informed via HMPPS and a new hearing date is listed for June 24th 2025.
Alberto Costa said: “I attended Pitchfork’s parole hearing in May and the Parole Board has notified me that it needs to schedule a third day for the oral hearing to complete is reconsideration of Colin Pitchfork’s parole review and that date is June 24th 2025”
"My view remains that Mr. Pitchfork is too dangerous to be released. He has instilled fear and cast a dark shadow over an otherwise happy community. I would fear for the safety of young women if he were released, it is not a gamble I would be willing to make."
"I am also campaigning to reform the rules that have allowed this single parole bid to drag on for years. The Reconsideration Mechanism was never intended to permit endless, cost-free challenges by a prisoner because they dislike the decision reached. Whilst I agree with the spirit of the rules, victims and the public are denied closure."
