The father of murdered toddler James Bulger has made a solemn vow to fight the latest attempt by his son's killer, Jon Venables, to be released from prison. Ralph Bulger will attend an upcoming Parole Board hearing to oppose the freedom bid of the man he describes as a "monster," joining his ex-wife Denise Fergus in a decades-long battle for justice.
A Father's Defiance and Agonising Anniversary
Ralph Bulger has spoken of the "excruciating" pain caused by Venables' repeated attempts to gain parole, which consistently coincide with the approach of the anniversary of his son's death. James Bulger was just two years old when he was abducted, tortured, and murdered by ten-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993. The crime, which began with the toddler being led from the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, Merseyside, sent shockwaves across the UK.
"To compound the agony, every time Venables bids for freedom, it’s always around the time of James’s anniversary. It feels like a huge kick in the guts," Mr Bulger stated. He confirmed he will be present at the hearing, scheduled for an undisclosed date this year, declaring: "I will stand at the hearing for my son James. For my enduring love for him, for justice for him and in defiance of Jon Venables."
A Troubled Path Since the 1993 Murder
Venables, now 43, and Thompson were given indefinite sentences for the murder and detained in juvenile facilities before being moved to adult prisons. While Thompson has remained in custody without further major incident, Jon Venables has been released and recalled to prison multiple times. His periods of liberty on licence have been revoked, notably for offences related to possessing indecent images of children.
His most recent parole application was rejected in 2023. The Parole Board panel concluded at that time that his release would pose a danger to the public, citing concerns about his honesty with professionals and outstanding risk factors that needed to be addressed.
The Family's Fear and Unending Fight
For Ralph Bulger, the looming hearing is a source of profound distress and sleepless nights. His primary fear is that Venables could be freed and pose a threat to another child. "I can’t bear the thought he will gain his freedom and hurt another child like my beautiful James," he said.
Although he will not be in the same room as Venables during the hearing, Mr Bulger finds resolve in the knowledge that the killer will hear his impact statement. "He will hear me - and the devastating impact and pain he has caused to me and my family for 33 years," he affirmed. The family's relentless campaign underscores their unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety and honouring the memory of James, whose loss continues to resonate deeply over three decades later.
