Child killer Colin Pitchfork released from prison | Criminal justice in the UK

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A man who raped and murdered two schoolgirls in the 1980s has been released from prison after attempts to keep him in prison failed.

Colin Pitchfork, now in his early 60s, received a life sentence for the rape and murder of Linda Mann and Don Ashworth, both aged 15, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986.

Dawn’s mother, Barbara Ashworth, has spoken out against the decision to release Pitchfork, saying “life should have meant life”.

“Well, it was due to be released in the books, but I don’t think it should be breathing the same air as us,” she told PA Media.

“It goes without saying that life should have meant life in his case, because he said he was guilty of the crimes, of killing the two girls…and he did so much besides that.”

When asked if she was surprised that Pitchfork became eligible for release, Ashworth said, “Yes, I think so. They said that if it had happened today he wouldn’t have been let out. But that doesn’t absolve anything. I’m not my daughter anymore, nor any of the hopes And the dreams she had in her life.”

Asked how she and her family would deal with the release of Pitchfork, she continued, “Well, I can never get this out of my mind. I hang out every day with people talking about their daughters and grandchildren. Like I say, she’s with you every day, what She took it and everything she could achieve.”

Ashworth said she struggled to deal with the news of his release: “No, I can’t. I just think that it should never have been allowed, should never be allowed to take to the streets again. Law is the law and what they say applies, but what should have happened. – He should have been locked up for life without parole as far as I’m concerned.

Leicestershire schoolgirl Dawn Ashworth. Photo: Topham/PA

“It’s existence, it’s not life. I’m not living a life, it just moves from day to day. Something like that pulls the rug out from under you and you don’t realize how broken your life can be when you have it all.”

Her brother, Philip Mawson, 68, from Nottinghamshire, told the Daily Mail: “I’m not an advocate of the death penalty, but there are some crimes so big that it should be carried out, and Pitchfork fits this category.

“I consider the decision to release him an experience, and I only pray that the people who live in the area where he is resettled do not pay the price.”

Pitchfork, who was released on Wednesday, was the first man convicted of murder based on DNA evidence in 1988 when he confessed to his crimes.

The parole panel ruled he was “appropriate for release” at a hearing in March, although this was denied in 2016 and 2018. He will be placed on the sex offender registry and subject to other licensing terms.

Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, who campaigned against Pitchfork’s release, said: “I am deeply saddened and deeply disappointed that child rapist and murderer Colin Pitchfork has today been released from prison.

Since I was first elected to Parliament for South Leicestershire, where the heinous Pitchfork crimes took place, I have worked tirelessly on behalf of my constituents and countless others to oppose his release.

“While I respect the parole board’s decision to reject the government’s appeal for his release, I do not agree with it.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson said: “Public safety is our top priority, which is why he is subject to some of the strictest licensing requirements ever and will remain under supervision for the rest of his life. If he breaches these terms, he faces immediate return to prison.”

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