James Bulger’s family BANNED from attending parole hearing of killer Jon Venables
Jon Venables was sentenced after killing toddler James Bulger in 1993
GETTY
The family of murdered toddler James Bulger have been banned from attending the parole hearing of child killer Jon Venables.
Venables, now 41, and Robert Thompson, now 40, brutally bludgeoned the two-year-old to death after abducting Bulger from a shopping centre in 1993.
The pair were handed indefinite life sentences but were released on licence with new identities in 2001.
Robert Thompson, 10 years of age, poses for a mugshot for British authorities February 20, 1993
GETTY
The move to block Bulger’s family from attending the parole hearing means they cannot read out statements explaining why Venables should stay in prison.
Parole chiefs confirmed Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger will be spoken to over potential living arrangements for the murderer if he is freed from prison.
But the family are angry that Venables will be able to speak at the private hearing next Tuesday and Wednesday.
In separate impact statements, Bulger’s 55-year-old mother and 57-year-old father will outline fears that Venables will reoffend if freed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A photo of murdered toddler James Bulger
PA
They are also expected to say it is unfair that Venables knows who they are and where they live but they would know nothing about him if he were released.
Venables was previously denied parole in 2020 and his latest hearing will be in private to spare him extra “stress”.
A source said: “It is deeply unfair and there is a sense of unease about what has happened so far.
"Denise will say she is certain that Venables will re-offend and she fears another family suffering like hers has done.
Mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, Denise Fergus and husband Stuart Fergus leave the Old Bailey on July 23, 2010 in London
GETTY
“They will both say Venables’ rights have been put above theirs.
"If he is released, he would know all about them but they would know nothing about him. He even knows where James’ grave is, for heaven’s sake.”
Speaking to The Sun, an insider added: “They will be consulted about arrangements if he’s released and will demand he is nowhere near them. It is a dreadful thing for them to contemplate.”
Bulger’s father wants a public hearing so that Venables can hear him say he should remain behind bars.
The Parole Board added: “The hearing will be held privately, similar to the vast majority of parole hearings.”