Parole Board want Colin Pitchfork’s new name kept secret

Colin Pitchfork murdered Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in 1983 and 1986 Child killer Colin Pitchfork’s bid to keep his new identity secret is backed by the Parole Board, it has emerged. Pitchfork, who was deemed suitable for release at a hearing last month, has twice changed his name by deed poll. There is no court order to prevent his current identity being revealed, as there is in cases such as Jon Venables, one of James Bulger’s murderers. But Parole Board chiefs have chosen to help Pitchfork in his attempt to start a new life. Artist’s impression of Colin Pitchfork in 2009 A summary of the panel’s hearing, which recommended his release, said: ‘Since his conviction in 1988, Colin Pitchfork, 63, has changed his name by deed poll on two occasions. ‘It may be beneficial to the agencies tasked with managing Mr Pitchfork, either inside or outside prison, for knowledge of Mr Pitchfork’s current name not to become widespread.’ It comes as Lord Chancellor Justice Secretary Alex Chalk asked the Parole Board to reconsider its decision on recommending release. Pitchfork was jailed for life for rap­­ing and strangling two teenage girls in Leicestershire in the 1980s. Mr Chalk said: ‘My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, whose lives were changed forever by Pitchfork’s heinous crimes. ‘My number one priority is public protection and, after careful assessment, I have asked the Parole Board to reconsider its decision. It is vital that every lawful step is taken to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.’ Pitchfork was the first murderer to be convicted using DNA evidence. He was released from prison in 2021 but was arrested and sent back two months later after he had approached young women in the street.