Double child murderer Colin Pitchfork was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison following the rape and murder of two 15-year-old girls in the 1980s.
Now 61, Pitchfork was the first person in the world to be convicted using DNA evidence during a trial.
He was given a life sentence after admitting to two murders, two rapes, two indecent assaults and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
On September 1 2021, Pitchfork was allowed to walk free from prison and resume his life within society after the parole board rejected a Government challenge against its ruling.
Who is Colin Pitchfork?
Colin grew up in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire — where he lived until he married a social worker and moved to the village of Littlethorpe.
He worked as an apprentice baker and had a relatively unassuming life before his arrest for the murders.
During his time in prison, Colin had the opportunity to pursue an interest in art — and in 2009 the Royal Festival Hall received public backlash after exhibiting one of the murderer's designs titled 'Bringing Music to Life'.
On November 13 2017, The Sun reported how Pitchfork was allowed a solo day out in Bristol city centre.
He was seen eating a pulled pork sandwich and laughing as he pored over Great British Bake Off books.
Kath Eastwood, the mother of one of his victims, Lynda Mann, said he will always be a danger and should never have been freed.
Kath added: “He shouldn’t even be breathing and should, at least, be locked up forever.’’
In 2018, Pitchfork was denied parole and was told he will be eligible for further review within two years.
Following a hearing in March, the parole board found him to be 'suitable for release', however the Justice Secretary asked the board to reconsider.
On Tuesday the Parole Board announced the application had been “refused” and that Pitchfork should be allowed to walk free from Prison after just 30 years in prison.
