Colin Pitchfork: 'Grave concerns' over double child killer's release - BBC News
Colin Pitchfork was jailed in 1988 after DNA linked him to the rape and murder of two 15-year-olds.
An MP has highlighted "grave concerns" over the potential release of a double child murderer who made criminal history.

Colin Pitchfork was jailed for life for the killing of 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in the 1980s.

He was the first person to be convicted of murder using DNA evidence.

MP Alberto Costa has spoken to the Parole Board, which is meeting on Monday, to discuss Pitchfork's case.

Pitchfork was last denied parole in 2018, having spent 30 years in prison.

Speaking to the BBC at the time, Lynda's mother Kath Eastwood said: "At last the Parole Board have made the right decision [and] put the families of the victims first and listened to us before the murderer.

"Let us hope this continues."

Pitchfork raped 15-year-old Lynda Mann and strangled her with her scarf

He had been moved to an open prison, with unsupervised days out, the year before.

Mr Costa, Conservative MP for South Leicestershire, said he had organised the meeting with Parole Board CEO Martin Jones to discuss Pitchfork's case - and his licence conditions if released.

He said: "While these crimes took place over 30 years ago, the heinous and abhorrent nature of Lynda and Dawn's tragic murders continue to live long in the memory of residents in South Leicestershire.

"Many are still deeply worried about the prospect of Pitchfork ever being released back into normal society.

"If he had committed these heinous crimes today, it is highly unlikely he would ever be released."

Pitchfork's latest parole hearing was due to take place last November but was postponed.

The Parole Board's decision is due to be made public on 7 April, Mr Costa said.

A Parole Board spokesman said its decision was focused on what risk a released prisoner could represent to the public and whether that risk was manageable in the community.

"The panel will carefully examine a whole range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims," he said.

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