Leicestershire MP welcomes ‘landmark’ parole reforms after Colin Pitchfork ruling
South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has long campaigned against the release of Pitchfork, who murdered two teenage girls in the 1980s.
Colin Pitchfork was the first murderer to be convicted using DNA profiling. Pic: Leicester Mercury
A Leicestershire MP has praised parole reforms announced by the Secretary of State for Justice after a recent ruling led to the release of child-killer and rapist Colin Pitchfork.
South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa welcomed the planned 'landmark' parole system changes announced yesterday by The Rt. Hon Dominic Raab MP under the government's Root and Branch Review.
The Justice Secretary has proposed new powers that will allow ministers to block the release of dangerous offenders due to public protection concerns.
Mr Costa said: "I very much welcome the landmark changes to the parole system as outlined by the Justice Secretary today.
"Given the deeply flawed nature of the Parole Board's decision to release Colin Pitchfork, it is clear to many, my constituents included, that a greater degree of oversight is needed over decisions to release dangerous prisoners.
"I am pleased the government has listened to my calls over the past few years and has acted to ensure that ministers will have the final say where public protection is concerned."
Mr Costa has long campaigned against the release of Colin Pitchfork, who murdered two teenage girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in his constituency in 1983 and 1986, respectively.
The MP has lobbied for these changes following the release of Pitchfork in September last year.
Mr Costa has been critical of the Parole Board's actions in directing Pitchfork for release. He was recalled to prison after only a few weeks due to serious concerns over his behaviour.
Mr Costa said: "My concerns over the decision to release Colin Pitchfork were only underlined further following his recall to prison.
"That decision and the public outcry that resulted only underlined my intention to push for further changes to the parole system.
"Public safety must always be the primary consideration in these matters, and I welcome this new level of oversight that will ensure dangerous offenders stay in prison for longer."
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