The Parole Board has denied the release of Colin Pitchfork, a convicted double child killer and rapist. Pitchfork, now 65, was sentenced to life in 1988 for the rape and murder of 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. The decision was made based on his lack of progress in addressing his risky behavior and limited internal controls, as stated in a document released by the board.
Pitchfork recently lost a High Court challenge regarding allegations of sexual assault against another prisoner, further delaying his potential release. Despite being the first person in the UK to be convicted using DNA profiling, Pitchfork’s history of violence and risky behavior remains a concern for the Parole Board. Previous assessments revealed that he derived pleasure from assaulting his victims and exhibited violent tendencies during periods of stress or relationship breakdowns.
Although briefly released in 2021, Pitchfork breached his license conditions and was promptly returned to prison. A subsequent review in June 2023 suggested that his detention was no longer necessary for public safety, but this decision was overruled by the then-justice secretary, Alex Chalk. Pitchfork’s behavior in custody, including alleged misconduct towards a younger prisoner, further complicated his case.
The Parole Board highlighted the severity of Pitchfork’s crimes, emphasizing the sadistic nature of the attacks on his victims. Despite ongoing reviews and assessments, Pitchfork’s victims and the public remain wary of his potential release. Procedural reforms have allowed victims to participate in hearings, aiming to increase transparency and trust in the justice system.