Bulger killer 'lost the plot and started screaming' when parole was rejected

14 December 2023 , 10:11

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Jon Venables was charged with the murder of James Bulger on February 20, 1993 (Image: PA)

James Bulger's killer Jon Venables "started screaming" when he was told his parole bid had failed yesterday, reports claim.

The murderer, now 41, allegedly "went mad, shouting and screaming" at the decision to deny him freedom after 30 years in detention. The parole board had decided Venables remained danger to kids and could not be trusted back on the streets.

And if new Government laws to never release dangerous reoffending, sexual attackers are introduced as planned, the killer will stay in jail indefinitely. James' mum Denise Fergus said the decision is "the best thing that has happened to me in 30 years" as she shared her "pure relief and elation" with the Mirror.

James Bulger was killed 30 years ago after being abducted (LIVERPOOL ECHO)

Denise Fergus spoke to the Mirror after the parole hearing (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

But it means Venables, who was just ten when he abducted, tortured, and murdered two-year-old James, is thwarted again. He was was released from prison in 2001 but recalled twice for possessing indecent images of children. The source told The Sun he "lost the plot" at the verdict. They added: "He went mad, shouting and screaming."

The murder happened in February 1993 when Venables and Robert Thompson lured the tiny toddler away in a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. James' mutilated body was found on a railway line two and a half miles away in Walton, Liverpool, two days later. It later emerged Venables and Thompson had been truanting school, something they did regularly, and casually observed children in the shopping centre.

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The yobs' trial heard distressing details about the killing, such as how they dropped James on his head, and he suffered injuries to his face. They were sentenced in late 1993 following a trial, becoming the youngest convicted murderers of the 20th century. The parole board had to consider these factors when reaching a decision yesterday.

James is pictured being led away by Venables and Robert Thompson (PA)

Speaking after the parole board hearing, James' dad Ralph, 57, said: "I’m just grateful children are spared from being put at danger from Venables. I can breathe easier knowing he is staying behind bars. They have admitted he hasn’t told the truth which we have said for years. And it will be the same the next time he applies for parole."

And, speaking to the Mirror, Denise, 54, said last night: "I feel we have finally been listened to and the whole nation is safe from the most dangerous, murdering sexual predator. I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years so the decision to not let him walk free is the best thing that has happened to me for 30 years.

"It’s a huge day for us. I could barely sleep for the dread and fear, one of the most evil men on the planet could be back on our streets. I had braced myself for his release. So when I was told the news Venables’ parole had been rejected I was just shellshocked, it’s the first time ever something has gone my way."

Now Denise, from Merseyside, said she is looking forward to a Christmas together with the family safe in the knowledge that Venables’ chance appeal will not come around again for another two years – and, if new laws are passed, ever again.

Tom Pettifor