Evil child killer Colin Pitchfork’s release from prison thwarted by ministers

EVIL double child-killer Colin Pitchfork will stay in prison for now – after the Justice Secretary blocked his bid for freedom.

Alex Chalk stepped in to force the Parole Board to think again after he got the green light for release last month.

Pitchfork, 63, raped and strangled Lynda Mann in 1983 and Dawn Ashworth, both 15, in 1986.

He was sentenced to life in prison, and was denied parole twice.

He was let out in 2021 but then was back in jail just two months later for breaking the terms of his licence by sidling up to young women.

He was arrested over “concerning behaviours” after being freed.

But just weeks ago Parole Board chiefs said it was wrong to chuck him back in jail, saying they’d been too cautious, and they did feel it was safe to release him.

He will remain behind bars now until the Parole Board has had a chance to review its decision.

Sources close to the Justice Secretary say the former lawyer felt there was an arguable case that their decision was irrational.

Once the Victims Bill passes, ministers will be able to personally block the release of dangerous offenders.

And it will reform the Parole Board – making a new public interest test to consider public safety when making release decisions.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said last night: “My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, whose lives were changed forever by the heinous crimes of Colin Pitchfork.

“My number one priority is public protection and after careful assessment I have asked the Parole Board to reconsider their decision to release him.

“It is absolutely vital that every lawful step is taken to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.”

The killer — who now goes by the name David Thorpe — carried out his crimes in Leicestershire.

Labour MP Sarah Champion said last night: “Good news, not least as he has changed his name in the past to escape detection.”

Lynda was brutally killed as she made her way home from babysitting in Narborough on November 21, 1983.

Three years later, Dawn disappeared while on a short walk to her home in the next door village of Enderby.

Her body was discovered in the corner of a field hidden under branches.