TRIPLE axe killer Thomas McCulloch was today officially released on parole after 43 years behind bars.

The 65-year-old was understood to have signed release papers this morning to walk free for the first time since he was 22.

It came after he was seen moving his belongings into a flat to share with his partner.

He was spotted yesterday taking suitcases and boxes of books from a maroon estate vehicle into the Dundee flat he shares with Susan Perrie, 50.

McCulloch was helped by three Scottish Prison Service staff from Castle Huntly open jail, just outside Dundee, as he moved during home leave from his cell.

With a camera dangling around his neck, McCulloch limped from the car and retrieved his walking stick while the guards carted in suitcases and cardboard boxes.

McCulloch was later seen reappearing from the flats without his stick and moved boxes in himself.

His release came days after it was revealed parole chiefs were set to free him on licence.

He had applied to the parole board for early release five times previously.

McCulloch was sent to Carstairs Hospital in 1970 for trying to kill two people, but broke out in 1976 with accomplice Robert Mone, slaughtering three people.

His release angered relatives of the victims, who believe McCulloch should die in jail.

John MacLellan, whose dad Neil was killed by the pair, believes life should be life.

Tory MSP John Lamont said: "The public will be appalled that such a notorious killer may be free."

McCulloch's killing spree happened in 1976 after he escaped Carstairs with gay lover Mone, armed with an axe, sword and a garotte.

They killed nurse Neil MacLellan, 46, patient Iain Simpson, 40, and police officer George Taylor, 27, as they fled.

McCulloch was allowed out on day release last year and gran Susan Perrie moved in with him.

In 2010 he was forced to flee a temporary home in Dumbarton after 40 local people staged a protest.

Neighbours glued his locks and a banner outside the flats read "No axeman killers here".

deborah.anderson@ eveningtimes.co.uk