Denise Fergus, the mother of James Bulger, has firmly addressed a parole board reviewing the potential release of Jon Venables, one of her son’s murderers, highlighting the ongoing danger he could pose to society. Venables, now 43 years old, committed the heinous crime at the age of 10 alongside Robert Thompson, leading to the abduction, torture, and murder of two-year-old James Bulger in 1993. Despite both perpetrators being initially detained indefinitely in juvenile facilities, they have since been transferred to adult prisons and have faced multiple parole hearings.
The latest parole bid by Venables is under consideration by the Parole Board, even though a previous evaluation in 2023 concluded that he still presented a risk to children and could potentially reoffend if released. Denise Fergus, aged 57, is set to participate in a confidential video-linked hearing and has expressed her distress and anger at the prospect of Venables being considered for release.
In a statement to the Mirror, Denise conveyed her dismay at the news, questioning the rationale behind granting another chance to someone who has already demonstrated an inability to reform. She emphasized the board’s need to acknowledge that Venables has physically grown and become more cunning since the tragic incident. Denise voiced concerns that Venables might resort to criminal activities post-release to secure his safety within the confines of prison, as he has previously been found with child abuse material leading to his re-incarceration in 2010 and 2017.
Noting Venables’ admission of a persistent sexual interest in children and possession of indecent images, the Parole Board spokesperson confirmed that the case has been referred for review. The decision-making process will involve a comprehensive assessment of the potential risks posed by Venables to the public upon release, considering factors such as the original crime, behavioral changes, and impact on the victims. The spokesperson emphasized that parole reviews are conducted meticulously, with a primary focus on public safety.
The upcoming oral hearing, the date of which is pending, will involve a thorough examination of evidence by a panel, including testimonies from various professionals and stakeholders. The ultimate goal remains the protection of the public, with a commitment to ensuring a rigorous and careful evaluation process to determine the feasibility of Venables’ release.
