Child rapist who strangled two to death and was first murderer caught through DNA evidence could be ‘free in weeks’
A MAN who raped and strangled two young girls to death in a brutal attack could soon walk free.
The notorious child killer Colin Pitchfork, was the first person convicted of murder through DNA evidence after he killed two 15-year-olds in almost identical circumstances.
Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 after he raped and strangled Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire.
The child killer, now 59, has told pals he is confident a Parole Board panel will free him despite being turned down two years ago as a "danger to the public".
A source told the : "He really thinks he'll be out in a few weeks.
"He's got a real talent for art. He wants to monetise this."
We don't ever want him freed.
Lynda's mum Kathleen Eastwood, 71, of Braunstone, Leicester, said she was dreading the call to say her daughter's killer had been released.
"We don't ever want him freed," she said.
"We haven't been told exactly when the hearing will be and we aren't allowed to be there.
"But we've made a statement that will be read out and considered."
Lynda was strangled and viciously attacked as she set off to visit a friend's house on 21 November 1983.
Three years later, Pitchfork, who worked as a baker, struck again - killing and raping Dawn on 31 July 1986 as she walked home.
Her body was found less than a mile from where Lynda had been attacked.
Pitchfork, who now calls himself David Thorpe, has been out on day-trips from HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire.
On November 13, 2017 he was allowed out to roam Bristol city centre alone for six hours.
LARGEST MANHUNT IN LEICESTER POLICE HISTORY
After Dawn's killing, Leicestershire Police launched the largest manhunt in its history, asking more than 5,000 local men to volunteer blood or saliva samples in a bid to match samples taken from the crime scenes.
No matches were found, but in 1987 a bakery colleague was overheard boasting that he'd received £200 for giving a sample while posing as Pitchfork.
The conversation was reported to police, and a month later Pitchfork was arrested.
He pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of Lynda and Dawn, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years. This was reduced on appeal to 28 years in 2009.
Once out Pitchfork hopes to make a fortune selling his artwork.
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The double-murderer exhibited a sculpture at the Royal Festival Hall in April 2009 - sparking public outrage.
Distress from the family of his victims eventually led to the work being removed from display.
More than 27,000 people previously signed petitions calling for Pitchfork to stay in jail.
