Colin Pitchfork

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Colin Pitchfork, born on 23 March 1960 in Littlethorpe, Leicestershire, is an English man who became the first person convicted of rape and murder using DNA evidence. He killed two 15-year-old girls from nearby villages: Lynda Mann in Narborough in 1983 and Dawn Ashworth in Enderby in 1986. He was arrested in September 1987 and, in January 1988, pleaded guilty to both murders and to other sexual assaults. He received a life prison sentence with a minimum term of 30 years (this term was later reduced to 28 years on appeal in 2009).

Pitchfork’s case helped establish DNA profiling as a powerful tool in solving crimes. Police linked semen found on the first victim to Pitchfork after testing many local men, which led to his arrest. He admitted to exposing himself and committing sexual assaults, and he eventually confessed to the two murders during police interviews.

Throughout his life, Pitchfork had a history of sexual offences dating back to his teens. He worked as a baker in Leicester and was known for his skill in cake decoration, though he exhibited troubling behavior toward women. The case spurred major advances in forensic science and the use of DNA in criminal investigations.

Pitchfork was released on parole on 1 September 2021 but was recalled to prison later that year for breaching his licence. His parole has been repeatedly contested and reconsidered, with several decisions against release following public and political scrutiny. As of October 2025, parole requests have been refused and he remains in prison.