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A MONSTER who raped and murdered two children will be released from prison despite a bid from the government to block his freedom.
Colin Pitchfork was jailed for life over the deaths in Leicestershire of Lynda Mann in 1983 and Dawn Ashworth in 1986.
But earlier this year gthe Parole Board has deemed the 61-year-old – the first murderer to be convicted using DNA evidence – is no longer a danger to the public after being turned down for release on two previous occasions.
The government also mounted a bid to stop the double killer’s release – arguing it was “irrational” to let him go free. But Pitchfork will be released after the Parole Board “refused” the challenge.
A spokesman said in a statement: “The Parole Board has 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.
“However, Parole Board panels are bound by law to assess whether a prisoner is safe to release. It has no power to alter the original sentence set down by the courts. Legislation dictates that a panel’s decision must be solely focused on what risk a prisoner may pose on release and whether that risk can be managed in the community.
“As made clear in the reconsideration decision, release was supported by all of the Secretary of State’s witnesses during Mr Pitchfork’s review.”
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