**James Bulger’s Killer Seeks Parole Again, Leaving Family Distraught**
Jon Venables, one of the two men convicted as children for the notorious murder of James Bulger in 1993, has launched a new bid for parole, reigniting distress and fear for the victim’s family. The news comes as a painful reminder of a crime that left a deep scar on British society, and it brings significant attention back to the troubled life of Venables following his release and subsequent re-offending.
At just 10 years old, Venables—alongside Robert Thompson—was found guilty of the abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger in Bootle, Merseyside. The pair lured the toddler away from a shopping centre before subjecting him to a horrific ordeal that shocked the nation. Their conviction, unprecedented in its horror and the youth of those responsible, led to intense debate over juvenile justice and the responsibilities of the state in handling such offenders.
In 2001, following a period of imprisonment, both were released on lifelong licence. This release came complete with new identities amid fierce scrutiny and controversy. Despite attempts at reintegration, Venables’ repeated legal troubles—returning to custody in 2010 and again in 2017 after being found with indecent images of children—have continued to fuel public concern and anger.
At 42, Venables remains a highly contentious figure. His current parole application is reportedly progressing through initial psychological and probation assessments. The family of James Bulger, who are kept informed of parole proceedings due to the nature of the case, have been advised that the Parole Board will consider his case within the next six months. This development has left them grappling with renewed apprehension and sorrow.
A close family source conveyed the ongoing torment the Bulgers endure, remarking: “It’s deeply unsettling. Every new application for parole brings our fear and grief back to the surface. The ordeal never truly ends for us.” Denise Fergus, James’s mother, has previously expressed unyielding concern for public safety in relation to Venables’ potential release. She has been vocal in her opinion that Venables still presents a “risk”, stating, “There’s no way he should ever be walking the streets again.”
Ralph Bulger, James’s father, has similarly shared his anguish, saying each parole attempt “drags the family through the same agony all over again.” The family’s sentiments are echoed by many members of the public who struggle to forgive or forget the original crime, particularly in light of Venables’ subsequent reoffending.
The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has reportedly given assurances to the family that she does not support Venables’ release during her tenure. Probation officials have sought to provide reassurance, but the trauma for those closest to the Bulger case is never far from the surface.
During his last parole review in December 2023, Venables was found to still pose a significant risk to the public, leading to a refusal of release. The Panel highlighted the need for continued monitoring, stressing concerns about rehabilitation and public protection. Nevertheless, the cyclical nature of the parole process means the family must brace themselves repeatedly for news of another review.
James Bulger’s murder remains one of the most harrowing chapters in UK criminal history. It continues to raise difficult questions about the management of young offenders, the process of rehabilitation, and the degree of risk society is willing to tolerate. The balance between chances for reform and ongoing concerns about safety remains as delicate—and divisive—as ever.
Both the Parole Board and the James Bulger Memorial Trust have been approached for comment. The Ministry of Justice has not issued a detailed statement regarding the latest bid for release, but the matter will no doubt continue to provoke debate and reflection in both legal and public spheres.