A former radical activist and getaway driver in the 1981 Brinks Robbery in suburban New York was released from prison on parole Friday. A parole board voted last month to release Judith Clark, 69, from the Bedford Hills Correctional Correctional Facility after spending more than 37 years behind bars. The release date was not announced to avoid the media and possible protests.

Clark's attorney told the media, "We are grateful that the Parole Board affirmed what everyone who has interacted with Judy already knows -- that she is a rehabilitated, remorseful woman who poses no threat to society," reported CNN.

Clark was convicted for the murder of security guard Peter Paige and Nyack police officers Edward O’Grady and Waverly during the $1.6 million heist of the Brink's armored truck in 1981. She was the getaway driver for a crew of Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army who carried out the robbery. She was sentenced to 75 years to life behind bars but in 2016 her sentence was commuted by the New York governor, opening up the possibility for a parole.

Handcuffed prisoner
A representative image of a prisoner in handcuffs. Getty Images

As a model prisoner, she was approved for release by the state parole board two years after her first attempt was rejected. Clark’s attorney submitted 2,000 letters state and local leader and residents to the parole board, saying they believed she should be released. Clark is well acclaimed for her work behind bars with service dogs, AIDS patients and inmates with babies.

State corrections spokesperson Thomas Miley said Clark made her initial report to her parole officer. He said she’ll be living in Manhattan and “she will be closely supervised to ensure her full compliance with all of the conditions of her parole,” reported Fox News.

Clark's attorney told the New York Post that she understands the pain of the victims’ families. “While this is a wonderful day for Judy Clark and her family, she recognizes the news of her release may cause upset to the victims' families and want to express her ongoing concern for these communities,” he said.

Several prosecutors criticized the parole board’s decision to release Clark. Kevin Gilleece, the acting Rockland County district attorney, said in a statement, “Because of her complete disregard for human life and sheer brutality of the crime, parole should never have been granted for this convicted murderer,” CNN reported.

Clark's lawyer said that she will live with a friend and work for Hour children, an organization that helps imprisoned women and their children to get back to the society.

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