Brutal double child killer Colin Pitchfork has date for new parole hearing set
Colin Pitchfork, a murderer who raped and killed two girls in the 1980s, will face his next parole hearing to fight for his freedom.
In 1988, the 64-year-old prisoner was sentenced to life in prison for murdering two 15-year-old girls in Narborough and Enderby.
He was granted parole in 2021, after approximately 33 years behind bars.
However, he was re-arrested two months later for violating his license conditions by approaching a single woman. He is currently awaiting another chance to be released.
His latest parole hearing, his fourth in just two years, has been postponed due to a legal battle over allegations that he sexually assaulted a male prisoner while incarcerated.
He filed a legal battle in the High Court to determine if evidence of the alleged prison assault was withheld from him.
The alleged victim refused to cooperate with the investigation, so no charges were filed. That High Court case, which was dismissed earlier this month, pushed back his next parole hearing, which was scheduled for last year. This will now occur in May of this year.
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, confirmed that the two-day hearing will begin on Thursday, May 15 this year.
Costa continued: “I have campaigned tirelessly to keep brutal rapist Pitchfork behind bars where he deserves to be and I will continue to do everything I can to keep this sick man behind bars.”
He stated that before the parole board hearing, a separate “fact-finding hearing” regarding the alleged prison assault will be held on Friday, March 28.
The panel at the March hearing will decide whether Pitchfork committed the prison sex assault.
In May, the parole board will review all of the evidence about Pitchfork’s risk to the public and decide whether he should be released or remained in prison.
People given “life sentences” often serve a minimum term in prison, but they can only be released if a parole board determines that doing so is safe.
Mr Costa stated that he “insisted” on being permitted to see the May hearing, which the new chair of the Parole Board, Cecilia French, has agreed to.
Mr Costa said: “Although he is up for parole once every two years, this will be Colin Pitchfork’s fourth parole hearing in the last two years, which does not provide proper closure to anyone.
“My view is that he should not be released. But while the legal process must be followed, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the victims and the enduring impact these crimes have on their lives.
“Colin Pitchfork’s actions were heinous and the need for justice and public safety remains paramount.”
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