Murderer's sentence cut for Braille work
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The first person ever convicted of murder using DNA evidence has had his prison sentence cut as a reward for his work for the blind.
Colin Pitchfork, 48, was given a life sentence in 1988 for the murder of two 15-year-old girls in Leicestershire.
He pleaded guilty to two offences of murder, two of rape, two offences of indecent assault and one of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Pitchfork argued the sentence was 'manifestly' excessive and three judges in the Court of Appeal in London ruled that the minimum sentence should be reduced to 28 years because he has made good progress in prison.
Since going to prison, Pitchfork has had a sculpture displayed at the Royal Festival Hall and he has become an expert at transcribing sheet music into Braille.
Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge said: 'This is an intensely specialised skill and his work is used throughout this country and internationally with the support of the (charity for the blind) RNIB.'
He said the appeal was being allowed to a 'very restricted and limited extent relating to exceptional progress in custody'.
But he added: 'He cannot be released unless and until the safety of the public is assured.'
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