The Parole Board has made the decision not to release Colin Pitchfork from prison, who was jailed for the rape and murder of two 15-year-old girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth. Pitchfork, who was the first murderer to be convicted using DNA evidence, had originally been released from prison but was recalled in 2021 before being granted parole again in June. However, this decision was challenged by ministers, leading to the recent hearing to reconsider the case.
The Parole Board cited concerns over the danger Pitchfork posed to the public as the reason for the decision, stating that there was a need for him to complete further work to address the identified risk factors. South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa, who had campaigned to keep Pitchfork behind bars, welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk for applying to have the case reconsidered.
By law, Pitchfork must be referred back to the Parole Board for his next parole review, due to be completed within two years. Pitchfork was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in jail for the murders, which was reduced to 28 years for good behaviour.
The case gained national attention due to the use of pioneering DNA profiling technology to catch Pitchfork, who had initially evaded justice by persuading a colleague to take the test for him. In 2009, his 30-year life tariff was reduced by two years for “exceptional progress”, a decision that was heavily criticised by the families of his victims
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More