South Leicestershire MP, Alberto Costa, has been informed of a further delay in the next parole hearing for the convicted child-rapist and killer Colin Pitchfork, with a new date now set for April next year.
Pitchfork, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1988, was previously released by the Parole Board in September last year before being recalled to prison two months later for breaching his licence conditions.
He was due to have his next hearing in front of the Parole Board in September earlier this year, however this was then delayed and scheduled to take place this month before again being moved to spring next year.
Alberto was informed by the Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, The Rt. Hon Damian Hinds MP, and this has since been confirmed by the Parole Board for England and Wales.
Alberto has long campaigned against the release of Colin Pitchfork, who raped and murdered two teenage girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in his constituency in 1983 and 1986 respectively. The MP has been highly critical of the Parole Board’s actions in directing Pitchfork for release, especially after he was recalled to prison after only a matter of weeks due to serious concerns over his behaviour.
Alberto said, “I have been informed by the Prisons Minister and the Parole Board for England & Wales that the next parole hearing for Colin Pitchfork has again been delayed with a new date set for April next year. I understand that this further delay is due to the availability of witnesses in this case. Of course, the further delay is welcome news for those of us who wish to see Pitchfork remain in prison, however I do question the ongoing anguish this may cause for the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, who I am sure will be anxious to hear the outcome of the forthcoming parole hearing”.
Alberto added, “I entirely understand and share the anxiety many feel about the prospect of Pitchfork being released, especially following his previous release and his subsequent recall to prison following the breaching of his licence conditions. It is quite clear to many that this man still presents a very serious danger to the public and therefore, I will continue working hard on behalf of my constituents, and many others deeply concerned by this case, to see that Pitchfork remains in prison where he belongs”.
