Axe murderer Thomas McCulloch launches new bid for freedom

Triple axe murderer Thomas McCulloch has launched another bid for freedom, The Courier understands.

The 64-year-old is apparently applying to the Parole Board for early release just months after his last request was refused in August.

McCulloch is in Castle Huntly open prison near Dundee after his 1976 rampage at the State Hospital in Carstairs, Lanarkshire.

The notorious killer has been spotted shopping on a number of occasions in Dundee as he is allowed individual days of release under the present scheme.

If the board chooses to free him, he will be released on licence in the community under the supervision of a social worker.

McCulloch murdered three men during a bloody break-out from Carstairs State Hospital with Dundee killer Robert Mone.

Hospital worker Neil McLellan (46) and patient Iain Simpson were struck down by McCulloch with an axe.

After making it over the perimeter fence, the two men also killed PC George Taylor (27).

Both McCulloch and Mone were given life sentences after the breakout.

McCulloch has been trying to be freed on licence since 2006 but has always been ruled too dangerous.