James Bulger killer Jon Venables has parole bid REJECTED as 'public would not be safe'
James Bulger killer Jon Venables has parole bid REJECTED as 'public would not be safe'
Getty
Jon Venables, killer of James Bulger, has lost a parole board bid to be freed from jail, sparking relief for his victim's family
The panel has ruled that it was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public”.
The Parole Board summary says: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.
“It noted the risks…. doubted Mr Venables’ ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, and to develop his relationship with his probation officer.
WATCH NOW: Ray Addison provides the latest on the Venables hearing
“By law, Mr Venables will be eligible for another parole review in due course.”
Venables, 41, alongside Robert Thompson, murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, when the pair were both 10 years old.
Both were jailed in 1993 and given life sentences, however were released on licence with new identities in 2001.
Venables was sent back to jail in 2010 for possessing indecent images of children.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
James Bulger was murdered in 1993 by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson
PAIn 2017, he was jailed again for the same offence.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: “James Bulger’s barbaric murder was a crime that shocked the nation and I welcome the Parole Board’s decision to keep his killer behind bars.
“Public protection is our number one priority which is why I opposed JonVenables’ release and this Government is reforming the parole system to introduce a stronger ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous offenders.”
Last week, it was reported that Venables had claimed he was ”reformed” and ”no danger” to the public.
He had been granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would ”harm his mental health” if it took place in public, however he did not attend to give evidence in person.
Robert Thompson, 10 years of age, poses for a mugshot for British authorities February 20, 1993GETTY
James Bulger's mum Denise has urged the panel to keep Venables behind barsPABulger's relatives were also barred from attending, although victim impact statements were considered.
Denise Fergus, the mother of the murdered two-year-old, was overjoyed with the news.
Kim Morris, who speaks on behalf of Fergus, told The Mirror: “This is the day Denise has waited for years.
“The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he'd harm again.
“This is a day we celebrate and we thank the parole board for making the correct decision.”
Venables will be eligible for parole again in another two years.