THE JON VENABLES CASE HAS ENTERED A NEW AND UNEXPECTED PHASE

MORE THAN THREE DECADES AFTER TWO-YEAR-OLD JAMES BULGER WAS MURDERED, HIS FAMILY IS SEEKING A PUBLIC HEARING AS JON VENABLES FACES ANOTHER PAROLE REVIEW.

More than 30 years after the murder of two-year-old James Bulger, Jon Venables is facing another parole process — and James’s family is asking for something that could dramatically change how the proceedings are seen by the public.

The Parole Board has confirmed that Denise and Stuart Fergus have applied for Venables’ parole hearing to be held in public.

A separate application has also been submitted by the legal representative of James’s father, Ralph Bulger.

The requests come as Venables, now 43, faces another review of whether he should remain in custody.

A CASE THAT HAS NEVER LEFT THE HEADLINES

Venables and Robert Thompson were both 10 years old when they abducted and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in Merseyside in 1993.

Both boys were later convicted and given life sentences.

Venables was released on licence in 2001 under a protected identity, but was subsequently recalled to prison in 2010 after being convicted of offences involving indecent images of children.

He was released again in 2013 before being recalled to custody in 2017 following another conviction involving such material.

He has remained in prison since then.

HIS LATEST PAROLE REVIEW

A new parole hearing was reported in January 2026.

The Independent reported that Denise Fergus had been granted permission to observe the hearing, although a specific hearing date had not been confirmed by the Parole Board at that stage.

The process has brought renewed attention to a question that has followed the case for years:

Should the public be allowed to see how a decision about Venables’ future is reached?

JAMES BULGER’S FAMILY WANTS THE HEARING OPEN

In its official August 7 statement, the Parole Board published the reasons submitted by Denise and Stuart Fergus.

They argued that the case has significant public interest and that a public hearing could improve understanding of the parole process.

They also said greater transparency could help address misinformation surrounding the case and allow the public to better understand how risk is assessed and managed.

The separate application made on behalf of Ralph Bulger and Jimmy Bulger similarly argues that the case is exceptional because of its history, Venables’ later convictions, repeated recalls to custody and the complex issues surrounding anonymity, risk management and possible release arrangements.

The applications do not themselves mean the hearing will be made public.

That decision rests with the Parole Board.

WHY VENABLES’ IDENTITY REMAINS PROTECTED

Venables has lived under a protected identity since his release in 2001.

The courts have continued to restrict publication of information that could identify him or reveal his whereabouts.

That protection remains important to the current proceedings, meaning details that could identify his current identity or location should not be published.

The public hearing application therefore concerns transparency around the parole process, not the disclosure of his protected identity.

THE 2023 DECISION

Venables previously faced a parole hearing in November 2023.

After the two-day hearing, the Parole Board decided that releasing him at that point would not be safe for public protection.

That decision meant he remained in custody.

The new parole process means the question of his possible release has returned once again.

A FAMILY FORCED TO RELIVE THE CASE

For James Bulger’s family, each parole review brings the events of 1993 back into public view.

The official application says a public hearing could give victims and their families greater understanding of the decision-making process and allow them to feel more involved in proceedings that directly affect them.

At the same time, parole decisions in England and Wales are focused on whether a prisoner can safely be released and whether any risk can be managed in the community.

The process is separate from the original criminal conviction.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The immediate issue is whether the Parole Board will grant the applications for a public hearing.

If the request is granted, observers could gain greater insight into how evidence, professional assessments and release plans are considered in Venables’ case.

If it remains private, the Parole Board will still conduct its review under the existing legal framework.

For now, one thing is certain:

Jon Venables’ case has entered another major chapter — more than three decades after the death of James Bulger.

And once again, James’s family is asking for greater transparency over what happens next.