A notorious child killer who was the first person convicted of murder through his DNA could soon be free.
Colin Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 for raping and strangling Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, both 15.
They were killed in almost identical circumstances three years apart.
Pitchfork, now 59, has told pals he is confident a Parole Board panel will free him, despite being turned down two years ago as “a danger to the public.”
Once out he hopes to make a fortune selling artwork after honing his skills behind bars.
Lynda’s mum Kathleen Eastwood, 71, of Braunstone, Leicester, told the Mirror: “We don’t ever want him freed.
"The call I’m dreading is the one to say he is being released.
“We haven’t been told exactly when the hearing will be and we aren’t allowed to be there.
"But we’ve made a statement that will be read out and considered."
Lynda was murdered in November 1983 near a footpath in Narborough.
Pitchfork, then 22, left his baby in his car and grabbed her as she walked to a friend’s.
After strangling Lynda he calmly picked up his wife.
In July 1986, Dawn was raped and strangled a mile away.
Baker Pitchfork was caught after 5,000 men were told to provide DNA.
He at first dodged capture by paying a workmate £200 to take the test for him.
But the scam was discovered.
Pitchfork, who now calls himself David Thorpe, has been out on day-trips from HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire.
A source said: “He really thinks he’ll be out in a few weeks.
"He’s got a real talent for art. He wants to monetise this.”
More than 27,000 previously signed petitions calling for him to stay in jail.
