Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has said she is 'deeply concerned' and in a 'state of shock' after news that one of her son's killers, Jon Venables, has been granted a parole hearing.
In a statement issued through the James Bulger Memorial Trust, she said: 'Denise remains deeply concerned about the potential release of Jon Venables, whom she considers to be one of the biggest dangers to our country. She firmly believes that if he is released he will undoubtedly offend again.' The trust also expressed gratitude for public support.
Venables and Robert Thompson were both aged 10 when they tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger in 1993. They served eight years and were released on lifelong licence with anonymity. However, Venables was jailed again in 2017 for possessing child abuse images, having previously been imprisoned for similar offences in 2010.
The Parole Board confirmed that an oral hearing is listed for 14 and 15 November. A spokesman said members will review hundreds of pages of reports and hear evidence from probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists before questioning the prisoner and witnesses at length. 'Protecting the public is our number one priority,' he added.
A decision on release is usually made within 14 days of the hearing. Venables' previous application for freedom was rejected in 2020.
