South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa fights to keep child killer Colin Pitchfork in jail as a new parole hearing is scheduled.
The Parole Board will review Pitchfork’s case using a two-part process. A fact-finding hearing happens March 28, and an oral hearing happens May 15 and 16. Victims’ families can watch, though some parts might be private.
Costa feels frustrated by these frequent hearings and thinks Pitchfork is still dangerous. He has fought to keep Pitchfork locked up and says he will keep fighting too.
Costa says Pitchfork gets a hearing every two years, and this is his fourth one lately. He feels this doesn’t give people closure, thinking Pitchfork shouldn’t be freed. The law should have respect, and we must think of the victims whose lives were impacted deeply by Pitchfork’s awful actions. Public safety remains very important.
Pitchfork was convicted in 1988 for raping and killing Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, both 15. He used DNA profiling to secure conviction, the first time ever in the UK.
He got life in prison, at least 30 years, but was released in 2021, sparking public anger. He broke his parole rules by approaching young women and quickly went back to prison.
Since then, he keeps asking to be freed. His last parole review got delayed because he claimed the board kept evidence from him regarding prison misconduct. The High Court said no to his request, allowing the parole process to continue.
The hearings will look at Pitchfork’s risk, considering the recent allegations as well. The Parole Board will let Costa attend, as he asked to be there.
Costa is worried about the legal rules that allow endless parole bids, preventing victims’ families from getting closure. He wants changes to the law that limit parole bids, requiring new strong proof of change only for the worst criminals.
The case has caused public debate, with people wondering if such criminals should be freed. The Parole Board’s decision comes later, and families and the public will watch closely.