Jon Venables, one of the two men convicted of murdering two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, will remain in prison following a recent parole hearing. Venables himself told the Parole Board panel that he should stay behind bars, according to a summary of the proceedings.
Background of the Case
Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged 10 at the time, abducted James Bulger from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1993. They tortured and killed the toddler, a crime that shocked the nation and led to a lengthy legal battle over their punishment and rehabilitation.
Venables was released on licence in July 2001 but was recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was freed again in August 2013 and then recalled in November 2017 for the same offence. His case was reviewed again in September 2020.
Parole Hearing Details
The latest review, held in private, included an opening statement from Venables in which he acknowledged the need for further offending work in custody and stated that he was not seeking release. The panel heard evidence from probation officers, three psychologists, and a psychiatrist. All but one concluded that he should remain in prison.
A victim personal statement was presented, conveying the devastating impact of Venables' crime and his subsequent offending. The panel noted concerns about how well Venables would cooperate with probation staff if released and how open and honest he would be in supervision. They also identified a need for further work in custody to address his sexual interests.
The summary stated: "Mr Venables articulated his protracted and extreme remorse for his crime. Professionals assessed this to be genuine and sincere."
Despite this, the panel decided they were "not satisfied that Mr Venables was suitable for release."
Reaction and Next Steps
The decision means Venables will continue to serve his sentence. The Parole Board's findings highlight ongoing concerns about his risk to the public and his ability to comply with licence conditions. James Bulger's family have been informed of the outcome.
The case remains one of the most notorious in modern British criminal history, and the parole board's decision reflects the gravity of the offences and the continuing risk posed by Venables.
