Family of James Bulger barred from attending hearing that could see killer freed

08 November 2023 , 09:10

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James Bulger, aged two, was abducted, tortured, and murdered in 1993 (Image: PA)

James Bulger's parents won't be allowed to attend his killer's parole hearing, it is reported.

Denise Fergus, 55, and Ralph Bulger, 57, are said to be furious Jon Venables will be permitted to speak at the hearing next Tuesday and Wednesday but they won't be present. It means the parents cannot read out statements explaining why they think Venables, who with Robert Thompson became the youngest convicted murderers of the 20th century, should stay behind bars.

And in their separate impact statements Denise and Ralph will outline fears Venables — twice recalled to prison over child sex abuse images — will reoffend if freed. But it is said parole chiefs will speak to the couple over potential living arrangements for the murderer if he is freed from prison.

James' mum Denise Bulger and his dad Ralph cannot attend the hearing (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Ralph and Denise, though, say it is unfair Venables, 40, knows who they are and where they live but they would know nothing about him if he were released. A source told The Sun : “It is deeply unfair and there is a sense of unease about what has happened so far. Denise will say she is certain that Venables will re-offend and she fears another family suffering like hers has done.

"If he is released, he would know all about them but they would know nothing about him. He even knows where James’ grave is, for heaven’s sake." Parole staff will now talk to Denise and Ralph, it is reported.

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Venables and Thompson were both ten when they killed two-year-old James in Merseyside in February 1993. They got lifelong anonymity on release in 2001 but Venables was jailed again in 2010 and 2018.

Venables was denied parole in 2020 and his latest hearing will be in private to spare him extra “stress”. The Parole Board told Mirror: “The hearing will be held privately, similar to the vast majority of parole hearings.”

Bradley Jolly