Shopping trip for killer Tracie Andrews

The killer, who stabbed her fianc Lee Harvey to death and tried to pass the crime off as a road-rage attack, was temporarily released from Askham Grange open prison in Yorkshire to browse stores in York city centre on Saturday.

Photographs published yesterday show Andrews, 41, looking at DVDs and carrying purchases from high street fashion chain H&M. Wearing a purple cardigan and large black sunglasses, the mother-of-one spent eight hours shopping and having lunch with a female friend.

Her victim's mother Maureen, 62, said: "I did know about this. To be honest it's very upsetting and traumatic."

Andrews stabbed 25-year-old Mr Harvey 37 times as the couple made their way to their home in Alvechurch, Worcestershire in December 1996.

She claimed to police he was the victim of a vicious road-rage attack, tearfully describing his attacker in a televised police Press conference.

Andrews was convicted of murder in July 1997 by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court and given a life sentence, with a minimum tariff of 14 years.

It is believed that since her imprisonment, Andrews has changed her name to Tia Carter and had cosmetic surgery to alter her lower jawline.

The Ministry of Justice does not comment on individual prisoners, but when asked about Andrews's shopping jaunt, a spokesman said: "Release on temporary licence is used to prepare prisoners for their eventual release from custody.

"It helps to reduce the chance of reoffending by setting up appropriate employment and rehabilitation work in the community, and maintaining family contact."

The spokesman said inmates usually complete a number of trips before their release from prison, as long as they "meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment".