Evil double child murderer Colin Pitchfork could be released from prison as he faces another hearing

DOUBLE child rapist and murderer Colin Pitchfork will face another parole hearing after successfully challenging a decision to keep him behind bars.

Pitchfork was sentenced to life in prison in 1988 with a minimum term of 30 years, later reduced to 28 years, for raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in 1983 and 1986 respectively.

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The Parole board met last year to decide whether he could be released ruled in December that he should not be released.

But Pitchfork requested a reconsideration of the decision and it was granted, the Parole Board said Monday.

It means he faces another parole hearing with a different panel of board members to decide whether he can be released from prison.

In a statement, the Parole Board said: “The decision denying Mr. Pitchfork's release was eligible for reconsideration under Parole Board rules.

“This meant that the panel's decision was provisional and that Mr. Pitchfork or the Secretary of State could apply for reconsideration on the grounds that the decision not to release Mr. Pitchfork had been irrational and procedurally unfair and/or that an error had been made. by law.

“Mr. Pitchfork filed a request for reconsideration in December 2023 and it was considered and granted by a reconsideration member of the Parole Board in February 2024.”

Pitchfork's challenge was successful because the parole panel “had a duty to take the punishment.” jail the offender manager's recommendation and to provide adequate reasons for any disagreement with that recommendation”, but the review concluded that this had not happened.

The “full rehearing” will take place in due course, the Parole Board said, adding: “Release can only be directed by the Parole Board if the new panel is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that Mr. Pitchfork remains locked up in prison.

“Mr. Pitchfork is and will remain in jail until this case is fully concluded.”

Pitchfork was the first person in the world to be arrested and condemned use DNA proof.

He grew up in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershirebefore moving to Littlethorpe when he married.

He worked there as an apprentice baker had two sons with his wife.

Pitchfork infamously left a son sleeping in the back of his car while he raped and murdered his first victim, Mann, before driving home and putting the baby to bed.

Before marrying his wife, Pitchfork had been convicted of indecent exposure and had been referred for therapy at a local hospital.

After being denied parole twice, in 2016 and in 2018, the Parole Board ruled in June 2021 that Pitchfork was no longer a danger to the public.

He was released in July 2021 but was back in prison two months later after breaching the license conditions of his release.

It was revealed that he had “moved aside” young women during long walks and was arrested about “concerning conduct” after his release.

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