James Bulger killer Jon Venables could walk free in months

Child Killer Jon Venables has launched a new bid for freedom after being granted a parole hearing. The man who murdered James Bulger, alongside Robert Thompson was initially refused parole in December 2023 after a panel ruled he posed a risk to the public, and he had not been honest with prohibition bosses. Venables was released in 2001 after being found guilty of James’ death in 1993. However, he was twice recalled to prison for child abuse images offences.

Venables, 43, may now be walking the streets again in a matter of months after being given another chance in front of a parole panel. The parents of the murdered two-year-old Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger, are “angry and anxious” at the news and are reportedly writing witness statements to why Venables should stay in jail.

A source said: “It is outrageous he is getting another shot at freedom — how many chances does he need?

“If ever there was a case where they should throw away the key, surely this is it.

“The family have been assured he will be dealt with as a ‘high-risk’ case and it will take a lot to see him freed. But it is still a huge concern that he is allowed to re-apply so quickly.

"Denise and Ralph are angry and anxious.”

The Parole Board said: “We can confirm the parole review of Jon Venables has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.”

James was abducted, tortured and killed in Merseyside in 1993 by the two boys, who were both aged 10 at the time. They led the toddler out of the Strand shopping centre in Bootle while his mother, Denise Fergus, was paying for shopping.

They led James two and a half miles to a railway track where they beat him to death after they kicked and punched him the entire way.

James' body was found two days later on a railway line.

The killers, known only as Child A and Child B at the time, were found guilty after a three week trial on 24 November 1993.

In 2001, Thompson and Venables were released on life licence and handed new identities protected by a court injunction ordering lifetime anonymity - Thompson is not known to have reoffended since his release.