Jamie Bulger killer Jon Venables 'could be free by Christmas' as new hearing set

03 September 2023 , 09:40

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Jon Venables is reportedly lining up a new bid for freedom via the Parole Board (Image: PA)

James Bulger's killer Jon Venables has been granted a chance at freedom at a new parole hearing, it has been reported.

James Bulger was just two years old when he was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Liverpool, on 12 February 1993. His body was found on a railway line two days later. His killers were Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both aged 10.

The pair were convicted of murder 29 years ago and it was ordered that they be detained indefinitely. But they were released aged 18 in 2001 and provided with new identities. Thompson, 39, has not reoffended. Venables was sent back to jail in 2010 and 2017 after being caught with child sex abuse images on his computer. He was refused parole in 2020 but has now made a new bid for freedom.

James Bulger was beaten to death in February 1993 (PA)

A source reportedly told The Sun: “Venables is buoyant as he believes this is his best, and possibly his last, chance of freedom. He has got the official confirmation and has been working on his presentation to the parole panel.” But a separate source is reported to have added: “It is incredibly unlikely Venables will be recommended for release. He’s a chaotic character who has clearly not rehabilitated.”

In March this year, the Mirror exclusively reported how James' mum Denise urged parole bosses to knock back his killer’s bid for freedom, saying: “He’ll kill a child again. Don’t let that happen to another family.” Campaigning Denise Fergus said she was initially deflated when informed a crunch parole hearing of Jon Venables was being planned.

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And in July, it was reported Venables could face life in jail due to a new law. Under The Victims And Prisoners Bill, yet to get royal assent, Venables could be kept behind bars indefinitely, as his fate would lie with the Secretary of State and not a Parole Board.

It changes the rules around a number of aspects of the criminal justice system - but crucially affects the releases of criminals who have committed certain crimes. Under section 32ZAB, a number of offenders are referred to the Secretary of State for release, this includes murderers.

Matt Clemenson