James Bulger's family beg parole board not to release 'monster' child-killer

03 December 2023 , 11:49

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Jon Venables was 10 years old when he murdered toddler James Bulger (Image: PA)

The family of murdered toddler James Bulger have pleaded with the Parole Board not to release monster Jon Venables ahead of a decision being due later this month.

A decision on whether to free the killer had been delayed by two weeks. The hearing took place mid-November and a decision was expected this week on whether he is safe to be freed. But a representative for Denise Fergus, the mother of James, said that there will be a wait before the decision is made.

The Parole Board confirmed that the case had been adjourned, but would not give further details. Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson in November 1993 at the age of 10 for the harrowing murder of two-year-old James after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside.

If he gets parole and is back out on the streets by Christmas, then he is likely to face some of the most stringent rules including lie detector tests, limits on travel and restrictions on his use of the internet so he can't access child pornography, experts say.

Two-year-old James Bulger was snatched while out shopping (PA)

A family source told The Sun: “The family has written to the decision makers, saying they believe Venables is a danger to the public and to children, and that he needs to be kept locked up. It would destroy them to see him a free man again. It should be a cut and dry case. There should be no need for debate or for taking extra time. He’s a monster. It’s not like he’s gone away and led a quiet life. He’s repeatedly in trouble. Over and over."

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Venables was released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was again released in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence. His most recent parole review was in September 2020.

Denise Fergus (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

There is a long-standing legal order in place to protect the identities of Venables and Thompson because of their young age when they committed the murder. This meant that the chairwoman of the Parole Board of England and Wales, Caroline Corby, chose not to hold his parole hearing in public, and that James's family were not able to attend.

Kym Morris, chair of the James Bulger Memorial Trust, said: "We have been made aware that the parole decision, initially expected this week, will now be made in another two weeks. While this news is undoubtedly frustrating for Denise (James' mum) and her family, we understand and appreciate the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in such matters.

"Denise and her family are grappling with heightened emotions and uncertainty. It is our sincere hope that, despite the delay, the Parole Board will carefully consider all relevant factors and make the decision that ensures the safety of the public, well-being of Denise and her loved ones, by not granting Jon Venables parole."

Ryan Merrifield