James Bulger's killer gets rare 2-day parole hearing in 'free by Christmas' bid

20 September 2023 , 12:21

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Venables was just 10 years old when he and Robert Thompson kidnapped two-year-old James (Image: PA)

Toddler killer Jon Venables, who murdered little James Bulger in 1993, has been granted a rare two-day parole hearing and if he is let out of jail, could be free before Christmas.

Venables was just 10 years old when he and Robert Thompson kidnapped two-year-old James from a shopping centre in Bootle, before torturing and killing the tot, leaving his mutilated body on a railway line. Venables and Thompson were convicted of murder and locked up, but were released on licence in 2001 after serving eight years. Now 40, Venables was released on licence for life and had been recalled to prison in 2017 for possessing indecent images of children.

Now a two-day parole hearing will be heard in secret on November 14 and 15, despite please for it to be heard in public. Three people will hear evidence from prison officers, probation and those working and prison doctors. It has been claimed he has been working on his presentation to the Parole Board. James’ mum Denise Fergus, 55, and dad Ralph, 56, are said to have written statements opposing Venables’ release.

James' mother Denise Fergus, who has always campaigned for justice for her boy, said: "If you let him free, you could be ruining the lives of another family like ours.

Denise Fergus , the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

She added: "When you look at Venables' file just remember what he is capable of. He killed my son James, has reoffended time and time again and I have no doubt he would kill another child if he is released."

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James' dad Ralph Bulger told The Sun: "If the Justice Secretary is serious on reform then he must allow me to be present at Venables's parole hearing, just as I was at his Old Bailey hearing. I want Venables to hear why I believe he should have his parole denied. For too long, victims and families have been ignored while authorities put the so-called rights of dangerous criminals first."

Both Venables and Thompson were given new identities when they were released and lifelong anonymity. Venables has twice been recalled to jail for possessing indecent images of children while out on licence – firstly in 2010 and then again in 2017. Venables, who was sentenced to 40 months in prison in 2018 for having over 1,000 indecent images of children, was last refused parole in 2020.

CCTV captured James being led away (Getty Images)

The Ministry of Justice said: “Dangerous prisoners undergo a strict assessment by the Parole Board before any release. We’re further strengthening the system so the most dangerous offenders are kept behind bars.”

In March this year, the Mirror exclusively reported how James' mum Denise urged parole bosses to knock back his killer’s bid for freedom, saying: “He’ll kill a child again. Don’t let that happen to another family.” Denise said she was initially deflated when informed a crunch parole hearing of Jon Venables was being planned.

And in July, it was reported Venables could face life in jail due to a new law. Under The Victims And Prisoners Bill, yet to get royal assent, Venables could be kept behind bars indefinitely, as his fate would lie with the Secretary of State and not a Parole Board. It changes the rules around a number of aspects of the criminal justice system - but crucially affects the releases of criminals who have committed certain crimes. Under section 32ZAB, a number of offenders are referred to the Secretary of State for release, this includes murderers.

Kelly-Ann Mills