Public parole application by double child murderer Colin Pitchfork hits obstacle – victim’s mother suffers again

A mysterious last-minute postponement of the public parole hearing for double child murderer Colin Pitchfork was “disturbing,” says the mother of one of the victims.

The 64-year-old monster has spent more than 30 years in prison for raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in the 1980s. He was due to face his victims’ relatives at a hearing tomorrow, but the parole board has adjourned the hearing due to a “very recent development” involving “new information”.

Dawn’s mother Barbara, who now lives in Cornwall, said: “I found out on Thursday but it was a phone call that got cut off. I don’t know why it took so long. It’s annoying, it’s not right and it’s frustrating. I’ve had one problem after another and I haven’t been in the best of health.”

Pitchfork was released in September 2021, but was back behind bars two months later for breaching parole. The killer was cautioned for speaking to a woman in a car park and had reportedly been walking in wooded and park areas claiming to be picking up litter.

He was granted parole again last year, but this was challenged by ministers and his release was refused. Pitchfork successfully appealed and was due to face a new hearing before a different panel on Monday, this time in public thanks to the 2023 reforms.

The parole board apologised for the delay, saying it was “intended to allow a comprehensive risk assessment to take place”. It added: “The oral hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible.”