Infamous British child killer and prisoner Colin Pitchfork released from prison despite protests
Convicted child murderer and prisoner Colin Pitchfork was released from British prison on Wednesday after serving 33 years despite several attempts to keep him behind bars.
Pitchfork - who was the first person in the UK to be convicted of a crime using DNA evidence - was sentenced in 1988 to life in prison for the murder and murder of two 15-year-old schoolgirls in Leicestershire between 1983 and 1986.
In June, however, Pitchfork was considered “Suitable for release” of a Parole Board panel quoting the killer “Progress made while in custody."
Despite protests and several attempts to keep him in jail - including from South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa, who said he was “Pale” by Parole Board’s “Immoral, wrong and honestly dangerous” decision - Pitchfork was released on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Justice issued one announcement extends its “Heartfelt sympathy” to the families of Pitchfork victims, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, and assured the public that Pitchfork would be monitored under strict conditions.
“Public safety is our highest priority and therefore he is subject to some of the most stringent licensing conditions ever laid down and will remain under supervision for the rest of his life," explained a spokesman for the Justice Department, adding that if Pitchfork ever “Violating these conditions, he faces an immediate return to prison."
The mother of victim Dawn Ashworth warned in June that even Pitchfork “Can’t hurt me more than he already did by killing my daughter," there will always be “Other 15-year-old girls on the street” who could potentially fall victim.
“If he was released, he could search for any victim he wanted. He is a psychopath who should be kept in prison where he belongs, “ she declared.
Pitchfork previously got a taste of freedom in 2017 when he was allowed to roam the streets of Bristol unaccompanied by day release. Photos of Pitchfork, who visited several shops, bought a sandwich and ate on a bench as members of the public, completely unaware of the killer’s identity, walked past frightened Britons and made headlines.
Britons on social media called Pitchfork’s release “Absolutely sick” and “A scary decision."
Read the background to this case. I’m not an expert, but it sounds like a scary decision. To pray that there is no regret. https://t.co/zKtn7SK8Lq
- Hend Amry (@LibyaLiberty) September 1, 2021
Colin Pitchfork has been released after just 33 years in prison for calling and murdering two schoolgirls in 1988. British justice has certainly become a little softer since the 1960s, when men were sentenced to 30 years for stealing money from a train. pic.twitter.com/hsMekj6Dp9
- Positively4thStreet (@ Positively4thS) September 1, 2021
“That is not correct. Young women and girls are at massive risk, ” tweeted feminist activist Jean Hatchet, while journalist Charlie Peters declared, “This naive madness must stop."
Points to it “1 in 5 homicides committed on parole," Louise Perry - a New Statesman columnist and campaign against sexual violence - wrote, “If Colin Pitchfork res and kills another child, the people responsible for this decision should be held accountable."
Do you think your friends would be interested? Share this story!