Leicestershire MP warns parole system not fit for purpose
Alberto Costa is speaking out as Colin Pitchfork is granted a second chance at freedom
A Leicestershire MP is warning the parole system is not fit for purpose, after it granted a double child rapist and murderer a chance to argue for his release again.
Colin Pitchfork lost his latest bid for freedom in December but, having appealed the decision, will now face a fresh parole hearing which could see him freed from prison.
Conservative MP for South Leicestershire Alberto Costa told us the latest ruling was "in itself an irrational decision".
He added: "All of this demonstrates once again that the parole board operates in an opaque manor.
"It lacks transparency and we're now in this abundantly farcical position when a double child rapist and murderer has in effect a limitless ability to ask for application to reconsider whether or not he should be released."
"Dangerous man"
Colin Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling two 15-year-olds, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986.
He was given a minimum term of 30 years, later reduced to 28 years due to progress he had made in prison, and was released in September 2021.
But Pitchfork was back behind bars two months later after breaching his licence conditions when he approached a lone woman while litter-picking.
Alberto Costa said: "I really feel for the family and we must never forget Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann, the two young women who were brutally raped and murdered by Pitchfork.
"This is about them and their families and friends and ensuring that justice is done by keeping Pitchfork behind bars, where this dangerous man deserves to be."
Pitchfork argued he had not been given a fair bid for release, complaining that comments from his prison offender manager were not taken into account.
The Parole Board said the panel considering his case had a "duty" to take this view into account and to "give adequate reasons for any disagreement with that recommendation" but concluded this had not happened.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "Our heartfelt sympathies remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth at this difficult time.
"This Government is reforming the parole system to add a ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous criminals and are changing the law so that for society's most depraved killers, life means life."