A fresh parole hearing has been scheduled for double child rapist and murderer Colin Pitchfork, prompting renewed criticism from South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa, who has campaigned to keep him behind bars.

       The Parole Board has confirmed that Pitchfork's case will be reviewed in a two-stage process, beginning with a fact-finding hearing on March 28, followed by an oral hearing on May 15 and 16. Victims' families will be allowed to attend as observers, though some parts of the proceedings may be held in private.

       Mr Costa, who has consistently argued that Pitchfork remains a danger to the public, expressed his frustration at the frequency of the hearings.

       The Tory MP said: “I have campaigned tirelessly to keep brutal rapist Pitchfork behind bars where he deserves to be, and I will continue to do everything I can to keep this sick man in prison.

       "Although he is up for parole once every two years, this will be Colin Pitchfork’s fourth parole hearing in the last two years, which does not provide proper closure to anyone.

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       "My view is that he should not be released, but while the legal process must be respected, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the victims and the lasting impact these crimes have on their lives. Colin Pitchfork’s actions were heinous, and the need for justice and public safety remains paramount."

       Pitchfork was convicted in 1988 for the brutal rape and murder of two 15-year-old girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire. His case became infamous as the first in the UK to use DNA profiling to secure a conviction.

       Initially sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years, Pitchfork was controversially released on licence in 2021. However, he was recalled to prison within weeks after breaching his parole conditions, having been spotted approaching young women.

       Since then, he has repeatedly sought release through the Parole Board system. His latest parole review was delayed after he launched a legal challenge, claiming that the board had withheld video evidence from him relating to allegations of sexual misconduct in prison.

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       The High Court dismissed his challenge earlier this month, allowing the parole process to proceed.

       The upcoming hearings will consider all aspects of Pitchfork’s risk to the public, including the recent allegations against him.

       The Parole Board has agreed to Mr Costa’s request to attend the proceedings.

       Mr Costa has also raised concerns about the current legal framework, which he says enables repeated parole applications and reconsiderations without offering finality to victims and their families.

       He has called for reforms to ensure that those convicted of the most serious crimes are not able to make repeated bids for release without substantial new evidence of rehabilitation.

       The case has reignited public debate over whether individuals convicted of such horrific crimes should ever be considered for release.

       The Parole Board’s final decision, expected later this year, will doubtless be closely watched by both victims' families and the wider public.

       Express.co.uk has contacted the Parole Board for comment.