South Leicestershire MP, Alberto Costa, recently met with the Chief Executive of the Parole Board for England and Wales to discuss the ongoing case of the convicted child-rapist and killer Colin Pitchfork – during the meeting it was confirmed that Pitchfork’s next parole hearing will likely take place in autumn later this year.
Alberto, who has long campaigned against the release of Colin Pitchfork, who murdered two teenage girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in his constituency in 1983 and 1986 respectively, met with Martin Jones, Chief Executive of the Parole Board for England and Wales, to receive an update on Pitchfork and the next steps involved in his case.
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 am once again very grateful to Mr Jones and to the Parole Board for taking the time to meet with me and to update me on the latest developments in Pitchfork’s case. During our meeting it was confirmed that Pitchfork will face an oral hearing in front of the Parole Board, and that this will likely take place in autumn later this year. It was also confirmed to me that Pitchfork is very likely residing in a closed prison at present, and that he will likely remain there until his parole hearing takes place”.
Alberto added, “As my constituents will know, I have long held very serious concerns about the threat to public safety still posed by Pitchfork, and as ever, I will continue doing all I can to oppose his release. Given Pitchfork’s recall to prison after only a matter of weeks following his release on licence last November, it is quite clear that he still presents a very real risk to my constituents and the general public. I have been greatly encouraged by the Government’s announcements to reform our country’s parole process, and I remain in close contact with both the Justice Secretary and the Minister for Policing in helping to shape this new system for the benefit of victims, their families and my constituents who still have serious concerns over individuals such as Pitchfork”.
