Child killer Colin Pitchfork wins £34,000 in legal aid to fight ‘frivolous’ claims

Child killer Colin Pitchfork wins £34,000 in legal aid to fight ‘frivolous’ claims

Child killer Colin Pitchfork wins £34,000 in legal aid to fight ‘frivolous’ claims

Child killer Colin Pitchfork has won £34,000 in legal aid to fight ‘frivolous’ claims against him.

A source familiar with the case said: “These are frivolous claims. It’s a disgrace the public should be picking up the bill to legally represent such an individual.”

Last week, Pitchfork was freed after 33 years for raping and murdering Lynda Mann, 15, in Narborough, Leics, in 1983, and Dawn Ashworth, also 15, in nearby Enderby in 1986.

Dawn’s mum Barbara Ashworth, 75, said of the legal aid sum: “We were given no help over the years dealing with the case. It’s awful that he has been given so much.”

The uncle of one of the 15-year-old girls raped and murdered by Colin Pitchfork says his release risks the safety of children wherever he is relocated.

Parole

He was jailed in 1988 for raping and murdering 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire.

In June, the Parole Board concluded it was safe to release Pitchfork, who was the first murderer to be convicted using DNA evidence.

The MoJ said Pitchfork, 61, would remain under supervision for the rest of his life.

Pitchfork raped and strangled Lynda Mann in Narborough in November 1983 and killed Dawn Ashworth three years later. He was eventually caught following an unprecedented mass screening of 5,000 men using pioneering DNA profiling technology.

He later pleaded guilty to both murders and was given a life sentence in January 1988.

Following a hearing earlier this year, the Parole Board concluded Pitchfork met all the criteria for release from prison, subject to conditions. The decision was attacked by several MPs and victims’ family members, prompting the government to formally challenge the decision on the grounds it was “irrational”.

however, this was rejected by a judge-led review in July, leaving opponents powerless to halt the release.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson 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.”


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Ron Howells

Ron actually started his working career as an Ophthalmic Technician- things changed when, during a band rehearsal, his amplifier blew up and he couldn’t get it fixed so he took a course at Birmingham University and ended up doing a degree course. He built up a chain of electronics stores and sold them as a franchise over 35 years ago. After five years touring the world Ron decided to move to Spain with his wife and son, a place they had visited over the years, and only bought the villa they live in because it has a guitar-shaped swimming pool!. Playing the guitar since the age of 7, he can often be seen, (and heard!) at beach bars and clubs along the length of the coast. He has always been interested in the news and constantly thrives to present his articles in an interesting and engaging way.

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