Double child murderer and rapist Colin Pitchfork will remain in prison after the Parole Board ruled against his release. Pitchfork, 63, was jailed for life for the rape and murder of 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. He was the first murderer convicted using DNA evidence.
Pitchfork was released on licence in September 2021 after serving 33 years but was recalled two months later following concerns about his behaviour, including speaking to a lone woman in a car park and walking aimlessly in forest areas. Despite later findings that some conditions were unlawful, the Parole Board has now decided he is not safe for release.
The board stated that Pitchfork had not completed necessary work to address risk factors, and there was a lack of current information about his attitudes towards sex and beliefs. It noted concerns about his behaviour in prison and inconsistent explanations about his time on licence, concluding he was not being open and honest.
Dawn's mother, Barbara Ashworth, said prison is 'where he needs to be', while her uncle, Philip Musson, expressed relief for the community. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, who challenged an earlier parole decision, welcomed the board's ruling. The decision is provisional for 21 days, during which Pitchfork can appeal.
