Outrage as convicted killers are let out of prison to work in York Travelodge

CAMPAIGNERS have reacted with outrage following revelations that road rage killer Tracie Andrews, three other convicted murderers, and "Canoe Man's" wife Anne Darwin all have jobs serving unsuspecting customers at businesses in York.

The notorious names are among inmates working with the public while finishing sentences at Askham Grange women's prison.

Campaign group Families Fighting for Justice – which has led hundreds through the streets in protest at early release for violent offenders – said the cases underlined their message "Life should mean life".

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Leader Jean Taylor said: "I am not shocked, but I am disgusted that this continues to happen. It is an absolute disgrace. I am all for rehabilitation but not for anyone who snuffs someone's life out because they lost control."

Three inmates from Askham Grange are all working at the same place – The Travelodge hotel in Piccadilly, York.

They include Pat Bulmer who in July 1994 arranged for her husband to be stabbed to death by her lover in a staged attack in Rotherham – which the two then tried to pass off as a mugging.

Bulmer, who was 32 at the time, was jailed for life at Sheffield Crown Court in July 1995 with a recommendation she serve at least 16 years.

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Working at the same hotel is Linda White who stabbed to death ex-partner John Sandilands in July 2002 outside her former home in Guildford Street, Grimsby.

Also working there is Julie Richardson – jailed for life in December 1998 – for taking part in the murder of her father in Leicester.

Meanwhile, Tracie Andrews is reported to be working at a cafe in York City Centre, while a fifth Askham Grange prisoner, Anne Darwin, wife of Canoe Man John Darwin, is working for the RSPCA in York and studying with the Open University.

Darwin, a former prison officer faked his own death in a canoe accident in the North Sea in 2002 to claim 250,000 insurance. He was given six years but has been seen back in Hartlepool – walking on the sand dunes in Seaton Carew – on day release from prison after serving half of his sentence.

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Andrews was jailed for life for stabbing to death fiance Lee Harvey, 25, during a row while driving to their Worcester flat in 1996. She tried to blame a road-rage driver and tearfully told her story on TV before her arrest and conviction.

Mr Harvey's mother Maureen has already made clear how distressed she would be by any early release of her son's murderer.

Ms Taylor, who founded Families Fighting for Justice after losing a sister, son and daughter to violence, said criminals such as Tracie Andrews "should never be allowed to walk the streets again."

She added: "They should spend the rest of their lives in prison, never see the light of day, and only come out in a coffin. We offer our thoughts to Maureen and all the victims' families.

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"Those who take someone's life with intent should not be allowed to go about their lives when the victims' families are having to live the rest of their lives bearing the pain of loss. We are the ones serving a life sentence."

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "When prisoners come to the end of their sentences it is important they be rehabilitated and return to work and I congratulate employers for giving them that opportunity.

"But It is up to the prison service to make sure that it is safe for people with a violent background to work in the community. Schemes like this cannot work unless public safety is paramount."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Keeping the public safe is our priority. Prisoners may be released to work only after they meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment.

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"Only those assessed as representing minimal risk of escape or risk of harm to the public are eligible. This work helps to reduce the chance or re-offending.

"Equally, those out on licence following release from prison can only take up a work placement after a risk assessment and agreement from their probation officer. We do not comment on individual prisoners." Travelodge, York, refused to comment.

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