James Bulger's mum 'feels numb' after killer Jon Venables has freedom denied

14 December 2023 , 09:14

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James Bulger's mum admitted she was feeling quite numb after her son's killer Jon Venables' had his freedom denied in a parole hearing yesterday

Denise Fergus has admitted she feels "numb" after her son's killer Jon Venables was refused parole.

The mother of James Bulger gave her first TV interview today on Good Morning Britain after Jon Venables had his parole rejected. Yesterday a parole board panel said they were concerned Venables – just ten when he tortured and murdered James in 1993 – has "continuing issues of sexual preoccupation" and were "not satisfied" the public would be safe if he was released.

Speaking on TV today, Denise admitted: "I’m feeling quite numb because I didn’t expect the outcome I got yesterday. It’s taken 30 years to get here. I finally now feel I have been listened to. All the promises I got told in the past two or three years have come to light. I’m now glad that members of the parliament are now siding with me and understand where exactly I’m going with this and what I’ve said in the past has actually come true because I did say in the very beginning, if those two weren’t properly punished, either one or both of them will go on to reoffend and this is exactly what’s happened."

Denise Fergus also spoke to The Mirror yesterday following the parole hearing (CHRIS NEILL)

She explained to hosts Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins that she has been struggling with sleepless nights.

"I’ve had so many sleepless nights over this one again. Because I know for a fact if he was released, we would end up with another case like James’ and that is something I do not want any other family to go through. The news about him not getting released is just such a relief for me and my family and close friends. We still can’t really adjust to what we’ve been told because this is the first time I’ve got something my way," she explained during the ITV breakfast show.

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Describing the last thirty years as an "emotional rollercoaster", she is hoping now to have some peace of mind.

"Going back to the early days I didn’t think I’d be sitting here 30 years on still fighting for justice for him. It’s been one hell of a bumpy road I’ve been on. I’m hoping now I’m going to get some peace of mind. I’m hoping that this is a bit of justice for James. I’m hoping this is going to continue because I do feel he should never see the light of day again," she said.

"It’s such a horrible situation to be in. It’s a dark cloud to be under and those dark clouds very rarely go away. But now I can see some light at the end of the tunnel and I just hope this light starts getting brighter and brighter."

Denise told The Mirror that she was "shell-shocked" over the hearing and has "felt so much relief" since parole was denied.

"So when I was told the news Venables’ parole had been rejected I was just shell-shocked, it’s the first time ever something has gone my way. I just felt so relieved. It feels like the decision is vindication for all the times I have told people he is a danger to society and that he would harm again. I’m so pleased the parole board have agreed with that," she shared with us.

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Jasmine Allday