Denise Fergus, the mother of James Bulger, has issued a strong warning to a parole board tasked with reviewing the possible release of Jon Venables, one of her son’s killers. Venables, now 43, was involved in the abduction, torture, and murder of two-year-old James Bulger alongside Robert Thompson back in 1993. Despite receiving indefinite sentences as juveniles, they were later transferred to adult prisons and have faced parole hearings multiple times.
The upcoming parole hearing for Venables comes after a 2023 assessment concluded that he still posed a risk to children and could potentially reoffend if released. Denise Fergus, aged 57, expressed her distress and anger upon learning about the possibility of Venables being granted parole. She emphasized that Venables, now physically stronger and more cunning than when he committed the heinous crime, might resort to criminal activities to avoid the dangers of the outside world.
Denise highlighted her concerns to the parole board, stressing that Venables had acknowledged a long-term sexual interest in children and had a history of possessing child abuse images. She underscored the need for caution in considering his release, given his past behavior and the potential risks he poses to society.
Despite being released from prison earlier, Venables was subsequently returned to custody due to further criminal activities, including the possession of illicit imagery. The parole board, in their previous review, pointed out the ongoing risks associated with Venables’ behavior and his potential to engage in harmful activities if released.
The parole board confirmed that Jon Venables’ case has been referred for review, with an oral hearing yet to be scheduled. The board assured that their decisions are solely based on assessing the risks a prisoner may pose to the public and determining if such risks can be managed in the community. They emphasized the thoroughness of their review process, which involves analyzing extensive evidence, including details of the original crime, behavioral changes, and impact on victims.
The parole board stressed the importance of protecting the public as their top priority, highlighting the meticulous examination of evidence and testimonies during the review process. They stated that the safety of the community remains paramount in their decision-making regarding the potential release of prisoners like Jon Venables.