One of Britain's most notorious female killers has been given her first taste of freedom, 11 years after she was jailed for her fiance's murder.
Tracie Andrews was given a life sentence for stabbing Lee Harvey to death and then claiming he was the victim of a road rage attack.
She was briefly allowed out of jail as she prepares for her possible release.
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| Handcuffed: Tracie Andrews during her trip out from jail |
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The 39-year-old murderess — who has had a string of lesbian affairs behind bars and now calls herself Tia Carter — was handcuffed to a prison guard for the trip.
Prison sources said one aim of the outing was to begin helping Andrews reintegrate into society. She will become eligible for release on licence in July 2011.
It was in December 1996 that Andrews killed 25-year-old Mr Harvey, who bled to death from more than 30 wounds in a country lane.
In a desperate bid to avoid jail, she concocted a story that he had been murdered by a wild-eyed maniac.
Her moving appeal at a press conference triggered a massive manhunt. But it soon became obvious there was no “staring-eyed fat man”.
It was Andrews herself who cut her fiance's throat and stabbed him 37 times.
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| Looking relaxed: Tracie Andrews was allowed out for 40 minutes |
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The 21-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard of her frequent rages, violent attacks on Mr Harvey and former boyfriends and of the forensic evidence which showed she must have been the killer.
Neighbours at the couple's flat in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, said they frequently heard shouting matches.
On the night of the murder, they had visited a pub where other drinkers noticed they were “ill at ease” with each other.
During the six-mile journey home the relationship finally exploded.
Andrews used a Swiss Army-type penknife believed to have been in the glove compartment of Mr Harvey's car. It was small but lethal, slicing through blood vessels in his neck.
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| Andrews flipped during a car journey and stabbed Lee 37 times |
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Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, she clung to her story about a road rage maniac. But the jury did not believe her and she was jailed for life, with a recommendation that she serve at least 14 years.
Andrews is now in Send prison, near Woking, Surrey. It has a specialist resettlement unit which includes opportunities for “voluntary work, attending college courses and work placements in the community”.
It also has an education department running Key Skills courses and NVQs.
Last Monday she was picked up at the jail by taxi at 9.40am. Accompanied by two officers, she was driven five miles to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford to be assessed for a placement in the community. After 40 minutes she was taken back.
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| Tracie Andrews talks to journalists at a news conference shortly after Lee's death which she tried to disguise as a road rage attack |
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Later this year, the Parole Board will decide whether Andrews is eligible for transfer to an open prison. Prison sources say she has been well behaved and has a good chance of being freed in three years time.
Mr Harvey's mother, Maureen, 62, from Birmingham, was horrified.
She said: “The do-gooders say she's been rehabilitated, but she'll never change. She has a terrible temper and will kill again. Life should have meant life for her. The law stinks.”
Mr Harvey's father Ray, 63, said: “I'm so bloody angry. She lied to police, she lied in court. She should never be let out.”