Colin Pitchfork: The DNA Killer Who Terrorized England
Introduction
Colin Pitchfork, born March 23, 1960, is one of Britain’s most notorious child killers. He was the first criminal ever convicted using DNA profiling after raping and murdering two teenage girls—Lynda Mann (1983) and Dawn Ashworth (1986)—in Leicestershire. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, Pitchfork’s repeated parole bids have sparked public outrage, with authorities struggling to determine if he remains a threat.
Early Life: A Troubled Youth
Pitchfork grew up in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire, and was an active member of the 1st Newbold Verdon Scout Group, even earning the Chief Scout’s Award in 1976. However, beneath this façade lay a disturbing pattern of sexual deviancy:
- 1977 (Age 17): Fined £30 for indecent exposure to a schoolgirl.
- 1979: Sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl.
- 1980: Given probation for exposing himself to two teenage girls.
Despite these red flags, Pitchfork married a social worker in 1981 and worked at Hampshire’s Bakery in Leicester, where he was known for harassing female coworkers.
The Murders: A Reign of Terror
Lynda Mann (November 1983)
- 15-year-old Lynda Mann was walking home from babysitting when Pitchfork raped and strangled her on a footpath known as the Black Pad.
- Semen evidence revealed the killer had Type A blood and a rare enzyme profile (matching only 10% of men).
Dawn Ashworth (July 1986)
- 15-year-old Dawn Ashworth was found beaten, raped, and strangled near Ten Pound Lane.
- The same DNA profile linked both murders, confirming a serial killer was at large.
A False Confession & The DNA Breakthrough
- Richard Buckland, a 17-year-old with learning difficulties, falsely confessed to Dawn’s murder but denied killing Lynda.
- Geneticist Alec Jeffreys used DNA fingerprinting to prove Buckland was innocent—and that one man committed both crimes.
The Unraveling: How Pitchfork Was Caught
Police launched a mass DNA screening, testing 5,000 local men. But Pitchfork evaded detection by convincing a coworker, Ian Kelly, to take the test for him using a fake passport.
The Pub Confession That Sealed His Fate
- Kelly drunkenly bragged about the scam in a Leicester pub.
- A colleague reported him, leading to Pitchfork’s arrest on September 19, 1987.
- When confronted, Pitchfork’s wife attacked him after learning he was a murderer.
Shocking Confessions
Pitchfork admitted:
- Exposing himself to over 1,000 women.
- Progressing from flashing to sexual assault to murder to avoid identification.
- Lying about the brutality of his crimes during police interviews.
Trial & Sentencing: Life Behind Bars
- January 1988: Pitchfork pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, rape, sexual assault, and perverting justice.
- Sentenced to life imprisonment with a 30-year minimum (later reduced to 28 years).
- The judge warned: “I doubt he should ever be released.”
Parole Battles: Should Pitchfork Ever Be Freed?
2016: First Parole Bid Denied
- Pitchfork claimed rehabilitation, earning a degree and transcribing Braille music.
- The Parole Board refused release but moved him to an open prison.
2021: Release & Immediate Recall
- June 2021: Granted parole despite victim families’ protests.
- September 2021: Released—but recalled in November for approaching young women.
2023-2024: Ongoing Legal Fight
- June 2023: Parole Board approved release again, sparking public fury.
- December 2023: After government intervention, parole was denied.
- 2024: Pitchfork challenged the decision, leading to another hearing.
Public Outrage & Media Depictions
- 1989: The Blooding by Joseph Wambaugh detailed the case.
- 2015: ITV’s Code of a Killer dramatized the investigation.
- 2023: Sky’s How I Caught the Killer revisited the crimes.
Conclusion: A Killer Who Should Never Walk Free
Colin Pitchfork’s case remains a landmark in forensic science—but also a chilling reminder of evil. Despite his claims of reform, his history of deception and violence suggests he remains a danger to society.
Will justice prevail, or will Pitchfork manipulate the system again?
