Jon Venables, the murderer of two-year-old James Bulger, has initiated a legal challenge to block the victim's parents from attending his upcoming parole hearing. Venables, now 43, was granted a new hearing 11 months ago, and James' parents, Ralph, 59, and Denise, 57, had won the right to attend the review. However, insiders report that Venables has contested this decision, delaying the hearing until at least September.
Fresh Anguish for the Bulger Family
A source close to the family stated: "This has caused fresh anguish to James’ family on top of everything they have been through. And once again James’ family have been left questioning who is actually the victim – them or the monster who tortured and killed James." The source added: "It seems completely absurd to be giving the family hope by allowing them access to the parole hearing and then considering reneging on that, just because Venables is too much of a coward to front up to them."
Venables' Refusal to Attend
Venables has informed officials that he will refuse to attend the hearing if James' parents are present. The hearing, which would include impact statements from the Bulger family, is now not expected to take place until September at the earliest. Venables, who was granted a lifetime anonymity order, would give testimony from behind a screen at the review.
In November 2023, Venables failed to appear in person at a parole hearing, claiming that facing the family would "harm his mental health." The proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, and on December 13, 2023, the Parole Board ruled that he would not be considered for release, as he still posed a severe threat to children.
Background of the Crime
Venables' crime shocked the nation when he and another 10-year-old, Robert Thompson, abducted James Bulger from a shopping centre in Merseyside in 1993, before torturing and murdering him. The case remains one of the most notorious in British criminal history.
The Mirror has contacted the Parole Board for comment on the latest legal challenge.
