Is Colin Pitchfork Still in Prison? Latest Parole Position
Last reviewed: June 2026
This page explains who Colin Pitchfork is, the crimes he was convicted of, his release and recall, and why the Parole Board has repeatedly kept him in custody. The facts below are established convictions and official Parole Board decisions.
Who is Colin Pitchfork?
Colin Pitchfork was convicted in 1988 of the murders of two 15-year-old girls, Lynda Mann (in 1983) and Dawn Ashworth (in 1986), in Leicestershire. His case is historically significant because it was the first murder conviction obtained through DNA profiling — a technique pioneered by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester. The same investigation also exonerated an innocent man who had initially been suspected, making it a landmark in forensic science. Pitchfork was given a life sentence with a minimum term that was later reduced on appeal.
Release and recall
After serving more than three decades, Pitchfork was released on licence in September 2021 following a Parole Board decision — a move that attracted significant public and political criticism. Within about two months he was recalled to prison after breaching his licence conditions by approaching young women while out walking. He has remained in custody since the recall.
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Convicted of two murders; life sentence |
| Sept 2021 | Released on licence |
| Nov 2021 | Recalled to prison for breaching licence |
| Oct 2025 | Parole Board refuses release and open conditions |
| June 2026 | Remains in prison |
Why was parole refused in 2025?
The Parole Board’s October 2025 decision concluded that Pitchfork had not made enough progress to reduce his risk to a level consistent with release or even with a move to open conditions. The panel’s reasoning referred to concerning behaviour in custody. Under the system, he had a short window to apply for the decision to be reconsidered. A Parole Board decision is not a punishment but a risk assessment: the test is whether it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the person be confined.
- “He was released and is free now.” He was released in 2021 but recalled within months and remains in prison.
- “A life sentence means he can never be considered for release.” Most life sentences carry a minimum term (tariff); after it expires the Parole Board periodically reviews whether release is safe. It is not automatic.
- “Open conditions means he is being freed.” Open (Category D) prisons are still prisons; a move there was also refused.
How life sentences and parole work
A life sentence lasts for life. The minimum term is the period that must be served before release can even be considered; after that, a prisoner stays in custody until the Parole Board is satisfied their risk is manageable in the community. Even after release, a life-sentence prisoner remains on licence for the rest of their life and can be recalled at any time — exactly what happened to Pitchfork. For more on how release decisions are made, the Parole Board publishes guidance and decision summaries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Colin Pitchfork in prison in 2026?
Yes. The Parole Board refused his release in October 2025 and he remains in custody.
Why is Colin Pitchfork famous?
His 1988 conviction was the first murder conviction in the world secured using DNA evidence.
Will he be released in future?
That depends on future Parole Board reviews, which assess whether his risk to the public can be safely managed. There is no guarantee of release.
Why was he recalled in 2021?
He breached his licence conditions by approaching young women while out, and was returned to prison.
Sources: Colin Pitchfork (Wikipedia); ITV News Central; Parole Board decision (October 2025).
