Double child killer Colin Pitchfork has walked free from prison after a campaign to keep him behind bars for longer failed.
Pitchfork, now in his early 60s, was jailed for life after raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986.
He became the first man convicted of murder on the basis of DNA evidence in 1988 as he admitted two murders, two rapes, two indecent assaults and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
READ MORE: Ofcom clears GMB over Piers Morgan's comments on Meghan Markle
Pitchfork' s 30-year minimum term was cut by two years in 2009, he was moved to an open prison three years ago and released on Wednesday.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Our heartfelt sympathies remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth following the independent Parole Board's decision to release Colin Pitchfork.
"Public safety is our top priority, which is why he is subject to some of the strictest licence conditions ever set and will remain under supervision for the rest of his life.
"If he breaches these conditions, he faces an immediate return to prison."
Reacting to the release of Colin Pitchfork, Barbara Ashworth, mother of Dawn Ashworth, told the PA news agency: "Well it was on the books that he was going to be released, but I don't think he should be breathing the same air as us.
"It goes without saying that life should have meant life in his case, because he said he was guilty of the offences, the murders of both the girls... and he did a lot more besides."
Asked if she was surprised Pitchfork had become eligible for release, Ms Ashworth said: "Yes, I think so.
"They did say that if it had been done today he wouldn't have been let out.
"But that doesn't excuse anything. I don't have my daughter back or any of the hopes and dreams that she had in her life.
"She was my only daughter and you live your life through them and their future - but that was taken away."
