Double child killer Colin Pitchfork can be released from prison subject to conditions, the Parole Board has said.
Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling two 15-year-olds, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986.
He was given a minimum term of 30 years, later reduced to 28 years due to progress he had made in prison, and was released in September 2021.
But Pitchfork was back behind bars two months later after breaching the licence conditions of his release.
The Parole Board said the decision to recall Pitchfork to custody was flawed and “made on the basis of some of the allegations not being proved and upon some incorrect information”.
The panel said Pitchfork’s behaviour for almost all his time in prison has not caused any concern and it was no longer necessary for Pitchfork to remain confined for the protection of the public.
The Parole Board said Pitchfork could be released subject to several conditions.
They include to comply with requirements to live at a designated address, to be of good behaviour, surrender his passport, attend supervision appointments and disclose any developing relationships.
He must also submit to enhanced supervision including GPS tagging and a specified curfew, and comply with an unspecified exclusion zone to avoid contact with victims, women and children.
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision and said he thought Pitchfork still presented “a very real danger to the public”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Deeply disappointed that the Parole Board have decided to release the convicted child killer Colin Pitchfork.
“I would like to reassure constituents that I will be writing to the Justice Secretary to ask that he seek an immediate and urgent review.
“It is simply unthinkable that a man who committed such egregious crimes should ever be released, and I will be asking the Government to challenge this decision in the strongest possible terms.
“It is quite clear to many, not only in South Leicestershire, but the country that this man still presents a very real danger to the public and I will do all I can to challenge this decision.
“My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda and Dawn at this most difficult time.”
Following the decision that Pitchfork can be released, a spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “A panel of the Parole Board, including two judges, has today directed the re-release of Colin Pitchfork following his recall to custody in November 2021.
“Having considered all of the evidence, during a hearing observed by the victims and the local Member of Parliament, the panel found that Mr Pitchfork’s recall to custody was flawed and not supported by the evidence.
“Separately, the panel found that the prisoner’s continued detention was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.
“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority, however our sole focus in law is risk, not punishment, and must be based on evidence.
“This case is eligible for reconsideration if any party thinks the decision is irrational or unfair.”
A Ministry of Justice source said: “Pitchfork was recalled to prison less than two years ago for concerning behaviour.
“That the parole board think he’s now safe for release is extremely worrying. This will do nothing for public confidence and will only strengthen calls for reform.”
Downing Street declined to “pre-empt” the Lord Chancellor’s consideration of the Parole Board’s decision to allow Pitchfork’s release from prison.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth.
“In terms of the process though, Colin Pitchfork won’t be released immediately. The decision is provisional for 21 days to give the Lord Chancellor an opportunity to apply for reconsideration and he will of course be looking at that very carefully. I’m not going to pre-empt that process.
“But speaking broadly, public protection is of course the Government’s number one priority.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This will be a very upsetting decision for the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth and our heartfelt sympathies remain with them.
“Pitchfork will remain in prison while the Lord Chancellor looks extremely carefully at whether to ask the Parole Board to reconsider its decision.
“Our number one priority is public protection which is why we are reforming the parole system and introducing a ministerial check to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars.”
