Jon Venables, one of the killers of two-year-old James Bulger, is set to make a fresh attempt to secure his release from prison. The Parole Board will consider his case at an oral hearing, expected next month, more than two years after his last unsuccessful appeal.
A Notorious Crime and Repeated Parole Bids
Venables, now 43, was convicted alongside Robert Thompson for the abduction, torture and murder of toddler James Bulger in 1993. The ten-year-olds snatched James from the Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February of that year, in a crime that shocked the nation.
Both were released on life licence in July 2001. However, Venables has been recalled to prison twice since. He was first returned to custody in February 2010 after indecent images of children were discovered on his computer. Following a second release in August 2013, he was recalled again in November 2017 for the same type of offence.
Previous Rejection and Ongoing Risk
The Parole Board last reviewed Venables's case in 2023, rejecting his bid for freedom. The panel concluded at that time that he still presented a danger to children and posed a risk of reoffending. His upcoming hearing represents his latest challenge to that decision.
James Bulger's family was informed of the new parole proceedings on Tuesday. While the Parole Board has not confirmed a date, reports suggest the hearing is scheduled for next month.
Family Trauma and Systemic Reforms
Speaking on behalf of James's mother, Denise Fergus, spokeswoman Kym Morris said the news had forced the family to once again confront a deeply painful process. "Denise was hoping for a redirection … allowing her a measure of peace and protection from further distress. That hope has now been taken away," Ms Morris stated.
She confirmed that Ms Fergus's application to observe the private hearing has been granted. This is permitted under reforms introduced nationally in April, which allow victims to attend parole hearings as part of efforts to increase transparency and public confidence in the justice system.
The case continues to provoke strong emotions and scrutiny of the parole process for offenders convicted of the most serious crimes.
