James Bulger‘s killer Jon Venables could be freed from prison again in just a matter of months after being reconsidered for parole.
James, two, was abducted, tortured and beaten to death by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993 in a horrific crime which shocked the nation.
The pair became the youngest ever to be convicted of murder after James’ body was found on a railway track two days later.
They were both convicted in 1993 and given life sentences, a source of controversy given their age.
Venables, now 43, was released in 2001 after eight years in youth custody but was caught with images of child sex abuse on his computer and twice recalled to prison, in 2010 and 2017.
He was last refused release in December 2023 when the independent board ruled that he remained a risk to the public.
Now, the child killer is set to be considered for possible freedom in a parole hearing that could be held as early as next month, The Sun reported.
James’ parents, Denise Fergus and ex-husband Ralph Bulger, are said to have been left ‘angry and anxious’ at the controversial decision taken by the Parole Board, with the pair understood to be writing witness statements for the anticipated hearing.
James Bulger (pictured), aged two, was abducted, tortured and beaten to death by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993 in a horrific crime which shocked the nation
Aged 11, Thompson and Venables (both pictured) became the youngest ever to be convicted of murder after James’ body was found on a railway track two days later. They were both convicted in 1993 and given life sentences, a source of controversy given their age
Now, Venables is set to be considered for possible freedom in a parole hearing that could be held as early as next month. James’ parents, Denise Fergus (pictured) and ex-husband Ralph Bulger, are said to have been left ‘angry and anxious’ at the controversial decision
A source told The Sun: ‘It is outrageous he is getting another shot at freedom – how many chances does he need?
‘The family have been assured he will be dealt with as a ‘high-risk case and it will take a lot to see him freed. But it is still a huge concern that he is allowed to re-apply so quickly.’
The Parole Board said: ‘We can confirm the parole review of Jon Venables has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.’
It comes after Venables’ last three failed parole bids. In December 2023, the independent board ruled that he remained a danger to children and could not be trusted outside of jail.
Parole Board members found that he had a ‘continuing issues of sexual preoccupation’ and were ‘not satisfied’ he was safe to be back on the streets.
James’ mother Denise hailed the decision and said her child’s killer should never ‘see the light of day again’ following the news he will be kept behind bars.
At the time, a source told The Sun that Venables had ‘lost the plot’ after being informed that his bid for freedom had been rejected.
It comes after Venables’ last three failed parole bids. In December 2023, the independent board ruled that he remained a danger to children and could not be trusted outside of jail. Pictured: CCTV footage shows James Bulger being led out of the New Strand Shopping Centre
In December 2023, Parole Board members found that Venables had a ‘continuing issues of sexual preoccupation’ and were ‘not satisfied’ he was safe to be back on the streets. A source told The Sun that Venables had ‘lost the plot’ following the decision. Pictured: James Bulger
James’ mother Denise (pictured with James) hailed the decision taken by the Parole Board in 2023 and said that her child’s killer should never ‘see the light of day again’. She told The Mirror: ‘I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years’
Ms Fergus told The Mirror: ‘I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years so the decision to not let him walk free is the best thing that has happened to me for 30 years.
‘It’s a huge day for us. I could barely sleep for the dread and fear, one of the most evil men on the planet could be back on our streets. I had braced myself for his release.’
She added: ‘I don’t think he should ever see the light of day again. I have never said that before but now I mean it. What he did to James and his reoffending actions after show he can’t be rehabilitated.’
Just days prior, it had been reported that Venables had claimed he was ‘reformed’ and posed ‘no danger’ to the public.
He was granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would ‘harm his mental health’ if it took place in public, but he did not attend to give evidence in person.
Kym Morris, spokeswoman and chairwoman of the James Bulger’s Memorial Trust for James’ mum Denise Fergus, said following Venables’ last failed freedom bid: ‘This is the day Denise has waited for years.
‘The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he’d harm again. This is a day we celebrate and we thank the Parole Board for making the correct decision.’
James’ father Ralph and his uncle Jimmy Bulger added in a joint statement they were ‘relieved at the decision’, and that Venables’ continued offending after his release ‘had a traumatic impact on us.’
Venables previously claimed he was ‘reformed’ and posed ‘no danger’ to the public. In December 2023, he was granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would ‘harm his mental health’ if it took place in public. He did not attend to give evidence in person
Regarding Venables’ upcoming parole hearing, the Parole Board said: ‘We can confirm the parole review of Jon Venables has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes’. Pictured: Denise campaigning in 2001
Toddler James was murdered after being grabbed from a shopping centre by Venables and Thompson before they dragged him two miles to a rail line where they tortured and beat him to death.
He vanished on February 12, 1993, after his mother Denise Fergus briefly let go of his hand at the counter of A.R. Tyms’ butchers in the Strand shopping centre.
CCTV footage later showed him being led away by Venables and Thompson, who took him more than two miles across Liverpool to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
The boys were seen by 38 people during their walk across the city, but they claimed Bulger was their younger brother or that he was lost, and they were taking him to a police station.
A pathologist found he had 42 injuries, and that it was impossible to rule which one killed him.
A police officer remembered Venables being so small that his legs did not touch the floor as he sat in the custody office after his arrest.
The dock floor at Preston Crown Court where the boys stood trial had to be raised 18 inches so each boy could see over it.
James was murdered after being grabbed from a shopping centre by Venables and Thompson before they dragged him two miles to a rail line where they tortured and beat him to death. Pictured: The Daily Mail revealed the full backgrounds of the young killers in November 1993
James Bulger’s body was found on a railway track (pictured) some two days after his abduction. A pathologist found he had 42 injuries, and that it was impossible to rule which one killed him
The boys were ordered to be detained ‘at her majesty’s pleasure’ after being found guilty of murder.
But a six-month review by the parole board in 2001 found they were no longer a threat to public safety and they were released on life licence after serving just eight years.
Both were banned from ever returning to Liverpool and given new identities, reportedly costing £1.5million.
Previous conditions placed on Venables included informing his parole officer if he ever got a job and getting their permission before leaving the UK.
He was also required to regularly see a forensic psychologist and was banned from contacting Robert Thompson or any member of James Bulger’s family.
Venables had to seek permission from his parole officer to leave Merseyside, stay overnight in the same house as a child under 16 or spend time with anyone under 12.
