James Bulger’s Mother to Hear Killer at Jon Venables’ Release Hearing
Jon Venables, the man convicted of murdering two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, is set to face a parole hearing. This event marks a significant development in the long-standing case that has haunted the family for decades. Venables, now 43, was initially released from a life sentence in 2001 but has since returned to prison multiple times for offenses related to child abuse.
Parole Hearing for Jon Venables
The Parole Board has granted a hearing for Venables, allowing James Bulger’s mother, Denise Fergus, to attend. This hearing marks her chance to confront Venables, hearing his voice for the first time in over 30 years. The scheduled hearing is expected to occur within the next month.
Concerns for Denise Fergus
The news of the parole hearing has caused Denise immense distress. Her spokesperson, Kym Morris, stated that this process forces Denise to experience profound emotional trauma once again. Despite her hopes for a peaceful resolution, Denise will now endure another prolonged period of uncertainty.
Access to the Hearing
For the first time, Denise Fergus has received permission to observe the hearing, though she will not see Venables’ face, as it will be obscured for identity protection. She plans to deliver a victim impact statement, highlighting the ongoing impact of her son’s murder on her life.
Jon Venables’ Criminal History
- Venables was 10 years old when he and accomplice Robert Thompson murdered James Bulger in Bootle, Merseyside.
- He was released from a young offenders institution after serving under eight years of his sentence.
- Venables has been recalled to prison twice due to possessing child abuse material.
- In 2018, he was sentenced to 40 months for child abuse imagery, serving a minimum of 20 months.
- His previous parole hearing in December 2023 ended with him not appearing, resulting in a decision against his release based on risk assessments.
Assessment of Risk
The Parole Board’s decision not to release Venables recently resulted from assessments that deemed him still a danger to children. The panel cited concerns regarding his honesty and progress, noting ongoing sexual preoccupations. They emphasized the need for Venables to address these issues before any consideration for release.
As Denise prepares for this upcoming hearing, the case of James Bulger remains a stark reminder of the tragedy and the lasting impact of violent crime on families and communities.
