A man who raped and murdered two schoolgirls back in the 1980s, has been released from prison.
Colin Pitchfork became the first man to ever be convicted of murder thanks to DNA evidence in 1988. Pitchfork admitted two murders, two rapes, two indecent assaults and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
He was jailed for life after raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986 respectively.
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.”
Commenting on making its decision, the Parole Board said they have “immense sympathy for the families of Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann and recognises the pain and anguish they have endured and continue to endure through the parole process”.
Victim Dawn Ashworth’s mother had said the decision to allow the release of her daughter’s killer is ‘disappointing’.
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