“Unforeseeable developments including fresh allegations” means that Colin Pitchfork’s next parole hearing will not be public.
Apologising for the “added stress” on the relatives of the victims, the Parole Board declared on Thursday that the claims were “in respect of relatively recent behaviour”.
It is unclear thus far what the allegations allude to; the complete verdict of the panel chair on the parole hearing is not expected to be released until next week at the earliest.
Following rape and strangling of 15-year-old girls Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986, Pitchfork, 64, was imprisoned for life in 1988.
Then 27, he became the first man found guilty in the UK using DNA profiling and was sentenced a minimum of 30 years, then lowered to 28 years.
Originally freed from prison in September 2021, Pitchfork returned behind bars two months later after violating his licence terms when he approached a lone woman litter-picking.
A Parole Board spokesman said: “A panel of the Parole Board convened a directions hearing for Colin Pitchfork on Wednesday 10 July.
“At that directions hearing the panel and the parties addressed how best to receive evidence in relation of fresh claims in the case. This covered turning in fresh risk-related material to the panel.
“We regret that material changes in circumstances have required a change of decision in regard to the nature of the hearing, which will not be public anymore.”
“It has been brought about by unanticipated events including additional accusations about somewhat recent behaviour.
When accessible, the Parole Board website will show a copy of the public hearing decision taken by the panel chair using their allocated power.
“We would want to apologise once more for the extra stress the decision on the adjournment and the later public hearing could cause on the victims.
“The parole process values victim involvement; the victims have been invited to watch some of the private proceedings.” Relisted in due course will be the private oral hearing.
Decisions made on parole boards only consider the risk a prisoner potentially pose to the public upon release and whether that risk is controllable in the community.
“The panel will carefully review a complete variety of evidence, including specifics of the initial crime, and any indications of behaviour change, as well as appreciate the harm done and impact the incident has had on the victims.
“Parole reviews are done very carefully and extensively. First of importance is public protection.
The Parole Board concluded in June last year that the decision to recall Pitchfork to jail was faulty and declared his confinement was no longer required for public safety. However, then-justice secretary Alex Chalk vetoed this decision since he demanded a reconsideration of the Pitchfork release decision.
Pitchfork lost his most recent freedom attempt in December, but earlier this year he appealed the decision to remain behind prison.
It meant the now 64-year-old would have a new parole hearing, maybe resulting in his release from jail.
Usually held behind closed doors, the hearings can now, depending on demand, take place in public following legislative reforms meant to eliminate the mystery underlying the process.