JON VENABLES PAROLE HEARING COULD BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC — DENISE FERGUS MAKES FRESH BID

More than three decades after two-year-old James Bulger was killed, his mother Denise Fergus is once again facing the prospect of hearing whether one of his killers could be released from prison.

Now she is asking for something different:

SHE WANTS THE PAROLE HEARING TO BE HEARD IN PUBLIC.

The Parole Board has confirmed that it received an application from Denise and Stuart Fergus requesting that the hearing involving Jon Venables be opened to the public.

A CASE THAT HAS NEVER REALLY LEFT THE FAMILY

Venables and Robert Thompson were convicted of killing James Bulger in 1993.

Venables was later released on licence but has subsequently returned to prison after further offending.

His latest parole bid has reopened painful memories for James’s family, who have repeatedly argued that his history should be taken into account when considering any future release.

WHY DOES DENISE WANT THE HEARING PUBLIC?

The request would potentially allow members of the public to observe proceedings that would normally take place privately.

For Denise, the issue is not simply whether Venables should be released.

It is also about accountability and transparency after years of parole decisions being made behind closed doors.

The Parole Board has confirmed that her application has been received, but that does not mean the hearing will automatically become public.

A PREVIOUS PAROLE BID WAS REJECTED

Venables previously had a parole application rejected in 2023.

At that time, the decision kept him behind bars after concerns about his continued risk were considered.

The latest proceedings therefore carry enormous significance for James’s family.

DENISE FERGUS HAS WAITED DECADES FOR ANSWERS.

NOW SHE WANTS THE PUBLIC TO BE ABLE TO HEAR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

Whether the hearing will actually be opened remains to be decided by the Parole Board.

For James Bulger’s family, however, the latest parole process represents another painful chapter in a case that began in 1993 and has never stopped affecting their lives.