The next parole hearing for Colin Pitchfork, a double child killer, will no longer be held in public due to “unforeseeable developments, including fresh allegations,” the Parole Board announced on Thursday.
Pitchfork, 64, was sentenced to life in prison in 1988 after being convicted of raping and strangling two 15-year-old girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986, respectively. He was the first person in the UK to be convicted of murder using DNA profiling, receiving a minimum jail term of 30 years, which was later reduced to 28 years.
Recent Developments
The Parole Board stated that the fresh allegations pertain to “relatively recent conduct.” The Board also expressed regret for the “increased stress” this situation may cause the families of the victims.
Pitchfork was initially released from prison in September 2021 but was returned to custody two months later after breaching his licence conditions by approaching a lone woman while on litter-picking duty.
In June last year, the Parole Board found the decision to recall Pitchfork to prison flawed, stating that his continued detention was no longer necessary for public safety. However, this ruling was blocked by then Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, who called for the decision to release Pitchfork to be reviewed. Although Pitchfork lost his latest bid for freedom in December, he successfully challenged the ruling to keep him behind bars earlier this year.
Fresh Parole Hearing
This means Pitchfork will face a new parole hearing, which could potentially lead to his release from jail. The Parole Board’s spokesperson explained the decision to switch the hearing from public to private, citing the need to address the fresh allegations and new material related to Pitchfork’s risk.
A panel of the Parole Board held a directions hearing for Colin Pitchfork on Wednesday 10 July. At that directions hearing, the panel and both parties discussed how best to receive evidence in respect of fresh allegations in the case. This included the submission of new material to the panel which relates to risk.”
The spokesperson continued, “We regret that as a result of material changes in circumstances there has had to be a change of decision in relation to the nature of the hearing, which will no longer be held in public. It has been caused by unforeseeable developments including fresh allegations in respect of relatively recent conduct.
Impact on Victims’ Families
The Parole Board apologized for the increased stress this decision may cause the victims’ families and emphasized the importance of victim involvement in the parole process. The families of the victims have been invited to observe some of the private proceedings.
“A copy of the public hearing decision, made by the panel chair using their delegated authority, will be published on the Parole Board website when available,” the spokesperson added. “The private oral hearing will be relisted in due course.”
The case continues to draw significant attention and concern from the public, especially given the nature of Pitchfork’s crimes and the ongoing implications for public safety.
