The Parole Board is facing a major shake-up to put public safety first, the Daily Mail can reveal today.
Dominic Raab wants it to focus far more on the potential dangers before it decides to free murderers and rapists.
The Justice Secretary’s intervention comes amid widespread fury over the release of child killer Colin Pitchfork in September.
The Justice Secretary’s intervention comes amid widespread fury over the release of child killer Colin Pitchfork, pictured, in September
He had to be recalled to prison last week after approaching girls near his bail hostel.
A large-scale review of the Parole Board launched 12 months ago had been due to report its findings by Christmas.
However this has been delayed for Mr Raab to take a fresh look at the system.
‘He believes the board is adrift from its core purpose and he wants to make sure it is exactly as he wants it,’ a source said. ‘Risk to the public must be the top consideration.’
The final review will now not be published until next year – potentially too late to prevent Pitchfork’s release.
Yesterday the board admitted that the double killer could be let out again within months if a case review decides it is safe to do so.
This oral hearing, which will take place behind closed doors, could come any time from February.
The panel will quiz the notorious killer’s probation officer, bail hostel staff and analyse polygraph results amid concerns Pitchfork may have been trying to cheat lie detector tests.
Leicestershire schoolgirl Lynda Mann, 15, who was raped and murdered by Pitchfork. He had to be recalled to prison last week after approaching girls near his bail hostel
It will also hear from witnesses about the concerning behaviour of the 61-year-old toward young women.
A Ministry of Justice source said: ‘Pitchfork’s behaviour on the outside shows his risk remains significant and this new, compelling evidence weighs heavily against his release any time soon.
‘He’s clearly not fit for release in a few months – it simply won’t happen.’
Even if it is decided he is still a danger, Pitchfork will
