The Parole Board has decided that Colin Pitchfork, a convicted double child killer and rapist, will not be released from prison. Pitchfork, now 65 years old, 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 board determined that he lacks sufficient control over his behavior and has not made significant progress in addressing his risk factors, therefore posing a threat to the public.
Pitchfork recently lost a legal challenge in the High Court regarding a sexual assault allegation against another prisoner, further delaying any possibility of his release. Despite a previous temporary release in September 2021, he was re-incarcerated for breaching his parole conditions by approaching a woman while on duty.
The Parole Board’s assessment highlighted Pitchfork’s pattern of escalating risk during stressful periods or relationship breakdowns, particularly towards women. Despite a brief period when the Board deemed his detention unnecessary, this decision was later overruled by the then-justice secretary due to concerns about Pitchfork’s behavior and breaches of prison regulations.
Professional assessments and a comprehensive dossier submitted by the justice secretary portrayed Pitchfork’s crimes as heinous and well-known for their brutality. Victims of his crimes were able to attend recent hearings due to justice system reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
Overall, Pitchfork’s release remains uncertain as he continues to exhibit concerning behavior and lacks significant progress in addressing his risk factors, as highlighted by the Parole Board’s recent decision.