26 November 2023 , 18:01
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Justice campaigners have welcome ex-Home Secretary David Blunkett’s call for Jon Venables to be denied parole. The Labour big-hitter joined victim’s family’s calls for Venables to stay locked up after failing to appear at his own parole hearing.
With fellow 10-year-old Robert Thompson, Venables killed Merseyside lad James Bulger, two, in 1993. Both were sentenced to eight years and released on licence.
But Venables, 41, was recalled to prison in 2010 and 2017 after being found to have indecent images of children. He missed the hearing on November 14/15 for mental health reasons, it was reported.
Lord Blunkett said: “Where there has been a serious doubt about... rehabilitation, it is a prerequisite of consideration for release that the individual appears in person.”
James Bulger was murdered in 1993 (Press Association)Kym Morris, head of the James Bulger Charity, told The Mirror yesterday: “We welcome Lord Blunkett’s support and hope the parole board make the right decision.”
Dominic Raab told me killer doesn't deserve to be freed, says James Bulger's dad
James’s mum Denise thinks Venables would re-offend if freed. Dad Ralph also said he should not be considered for release.
He told The Sun: “How can these people even consider releasing Venables from jail if he isn't made to face up to the reality of the vile crimes he has committed? How can they not insist he hears what I have to say? It's part of my healing that I get to tell him the way it has affected me and my family. It's just so twisted that we are the ones hurting for the rest of our lives, but he is the one who continues to be protected.”