James Bulger’s mother hails Parole Board’s decision to keep killer Jon Venables behind bars and says the prospect of him being free was ‘terrifying’

• The Parole Board today denied Venables his bid to be released from prison 

James Bulger’s mother has hailed the Parole Board’s decision to keep killer Jon Venables behind bars and says the prospect of him being free ‘terrified’ her. 

Venables’ bid to be released from prison was rejected by the Parole Board just days after he claimed he was ‘completely rehabilitated’.

The murderer, who was one of two boys jailed for the killing of two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, had his application rejected after officials said they believed he was still dangerous.

The now-41-year-old was originally released from prison in 2001 but has since been returned behind bars twice for possessing indecent images of children.

James’ mother Denise Fergus today said it is a ‘day to celebrate’, adding she feared he would ‘harm again’.

Jon Venables, pictured here in his mugshot, was just 10 year’s old when he brutally murdered toddler James Bulger in 1993

The murder of James Bulger (pictured), who was kidnapped from a shopping centre and tortured to death shocked the nation

Kym Morris, spokeswoman and chairwoman of the James Bulger’s Memorial Trust for James’ mum Denise Fergus, said: ‘This is the day Denise has waited for years. 

‘The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he’d harm again. This is a day we celebrate and we thank the parole board for making the correct decision.’ 

It was reported last week that Venables had claimed he was ‘reformed’ and ‘no danger’ to the public in his latest bid for freedom, sparking pleas from James’s family to keep him locked up.

He had been granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would ‘harm his mental health’ if it took place in public, but he did not attend to give evidence in person.

Now after two weeks of deliberations, the Parole Board has determined that the child murderer is still too much of a danger to the public to be released.

The news of his continued stay behind bars was greeted with joy by James’s mum, Denis Fergus, who a spokesperson said was ‘celebrating’ the decision.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, backed the decision to keep Venables behind bars.

He said: ‘James Bulger’s barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Board’s decision to keep his killer behind bars.

‘Public protection is our number one priority which is why I opposed Jon Venables’ release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders.’

A spokesperson for the Parole Board told MailOnline: ‘We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Jon Venables following an oral hearing.

‘Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

‘A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

READ MORE HERE: How Jon Venables will face ‘strictest ever’ release conditions if he wins parole, including a new identity, no internet on his own, spot lie detectors and ban on going near victim’s relatives

‘Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

‘Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

‘It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.’

‘Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.’

It was reported last week that James’ family had written to the Parole Board over suggestions that one of their son’s killers could be released.

A family source said last week: ‘The family has written to the decision makers, saying they believe Venables is a danger to the public and to children, and that he needs to be kept locked up.’ 

The insider went on to say that it should be ‘a cut and dry case’ and that were was no need for extra time to debate if ‘monster’ Venables should be released.

Venables’ parole bid has already sparked controversy after it emerged that he skipped giving evidence during the two-day hearing to prevent ‘disproportionate emotional stress.’ 

Venables and fellow 10-year-old Robert Thompson horrified Britain when they snatched toddler James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. 

Robert Thompson, pictured here in his mugshot, who murdered James Bulgar with Venables, has not reoffended since his release from prison

James Bulger was kidnapped by Venables and his co-accused Robert Thompson, before being killed and his body left next to a railway line in Liverpool

The pair kidnapped and tortured James, before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line 30 years ago.

The child killers were convicted of murder in November 1993 and detained indefinitely.

The pair were released aged 18 in 2001 after just eight years and given new identities. Thompson has not reoffended.

Following his released in 2001, Venables was recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, having been found to be in possession of indecent images of children.

Venables was turned down for parole in 2020 after serving his minimum 40 months.

After his 2001 release he was given a new name – which may happen if he is freed again. Previous conditions placed on Venables included informing his parole officer if he ever got a job and getting their permission before leaving the UK.

He had to regularly see a forensic psychologist and was banned from contacting Robert Thompson or any member of James Bulger’s family.

He also had to ask his parole officer for permission to leave Merseyside, stay overnight in the same house as a child under 16 or spend time with anyone under 12. 

Source: Read Full Article