JON VENABLES COULD WALK FREE WITHIN WEEKS — JAMES BULGER’S FAMILY FACES ANOTHER PAINFUL WAIT AS KILLER’S NEW PAROLE HEARING LOOMS

More than 30 years after two-year-old James Bulger was abducted and killed, his family is once again facing the possibility that Jon Venables could be released from prison.

A new chapter in one of Britain’s most haunting criminal cases is unfolding — and once again, James Bulger’s family is being forced to wait for a decision that could change everything.

Jon Venables, now 44, is due to have another parole hearing after previously being refused release.

The hearing comes more than two years after his last unsuccessful bid for freedom. In 2023, the Parole Board concluded that Venables still posed a danger and could go on to offend again.

Now, his latest case is being considered by parole officials.

JAMES WAS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD

James Bulger was just two years old when he disappeared from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993.

Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged 10 at the time, were convicted of abducting and killing him.

The case shocked Britain and became one of the country’s most notorious child murder cases.

Both boys were eventually released on licence in 2001 under lifelong anonymity orders.

But Venables later returned to prison.

VENABLES WAS RECALLED TO PRISON TWICE

After his release, Venables was recalled to custody in 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.

He was released again in 2013.

Four years later, he was recalled once more after another offence involving indecent images of children.

His latest parole bid therefore comes after a long history of release, recall and further legal proceedings.

In 2023, parole judges rejected his application and concluded that he remained a danger to children.

That decision kept him behind bars for the following years.

JAMES’ FAMILY WANTED THE HEARING OPEN

James’ mother, Denise Fergus, had asked for the latest parole hearing to be held publicly.

She argued that greater transparency could help counter misinformation surrounding the case and prevent further trauma for the family.

But the Parole Board rejected the application.

In its September 28 decision, the Board said the legal threshold for making a parole hearing public had not been met. It also said a public hearing could make it difficult for Venables to give evidence because of concerns about threats to his safety.

The hearing will therefore remain private.

James’ family has nevertheless been allowed to observe the proceedings under reforms that permit victims to attend private parole hearings.

A FAMILY FORCED TO RELIVE THE PAST

For Denise and James’ father, Ralph Bulger, another parole hearing means another confrontation with the events of 1993.

More than three decades have passed since their son’s death.

But every new parole application brings the case back into the present.

And this time, the possibility of release is once again hanging over the family.

WILL JON VENABLES ACTUALLY BE RELEASED?

That has not yet been decided.

Reports about Venables potentially being released within weeks refer to the possibility following his parole hearing — not a confirmed release date.

The Parole Board must consider whether he can safely be released on licence.

The outcome of the current hearing has not been announced.

Until a decision is made, Venables remains in prison.

 JAMES’ NAME HAS NEVER BEEN FORGOTTEN

James Bulger was only two years old when his life was taken.

His case has remained in the public consciousness for more than 30 years, while his family has continued to live with the consequences.

Now, once again, they are waiting.

Waiting for the parole decision.

Waiting to learn whether Venables will remain behind bars or eventually return to life outside prison.

And behind all of the legal arguments and parole proceedings is the little boy whose name started it all:

James Bulger.

A child whose life ended in 1993 — but whose story continues to shape the lives of his family more than three decades later.