More than 30 years may have passed since the tragic murder of two-year-old James Bulger, but for his family, the trauma never fades.
Now, they’re facing another painful chapter as one of James’ killers, Jon Venables, could be considered for release yet again—leaving the family feeling anxious and heartbroken.
Venables Could Be Free Before the Year Ends
Jon Venables, who is now 42, is expected to be referred to the Parole Board within the next six months, according to The Sun.
If approved, he could walk free before the end of this year.
This comes despite his most recent parole request being denied in December 2023, when an independent panel deemed him still a danger to the public.
The possibility of another parole has reignited fear and frustration for James Bulger’s family, who feel like they’re stuck in a never-ending nightmare.
A Crime That Shook the Nation
Back in 1993, the UK was horrified by the brutal killing of James Bulger.
Just two years old, James was abducted from a shopping centre in Merseyside by 10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson.
The boys tortured and murdered him, eventually leaving his body on a railway track where it was discovered two days later.
The case stunned the country—not just because of the crime itself, but because of the young age of the perpetrators.
Venables and Thompson became the youngest convicted murderers in British history.
Both received life sentences, though they were placed in youth detention rather than adult prison.
Released, Recalled, and Reoffending
Venables was released on licence in 2001, after serving eight years, under a new identity.
His release caused a public outcry, with demonstrators from groups like Mothers Against Murder gathering to protest outside the parole board’s headquarters in London.
But his freedom didn’t last. In 2010, Venables was sent back to prison after police found child abuse images on his computer.
He was given another chance in 2013 but was jailed once more in 2017 when similar images were uncovered again.
Given his track record, the Bulger family is deeply unsettled by the idea that he might be given yet another opportunity to live outside prison walls.
“How Many Chances Does He Get?”
Speaking to The Sun, a source close to the family said, “It’s very worrying that the process has started all over again.
How many chances does he need before they throw away the key?”
They added, “The family are wracked with fear, and who can blame them?”
Their anxiety is understandable. Each new parole review brings a fresh wave of media attention, legal stress, and emotional pain—making it feel like justice is always on the edge of being undone.
Government Officials Voice Concern
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has reportedly made it clear that she doesn’t support Venables’ release and doesn’t want it to happen under her watch.
According to sources, that message has been directly relayed to James’ parents by senior probation officials.
As of now, Venables’ parole process is still in its early stages, and his last three attempts have all been rejected.
Whether this next review will be any different remains to be seen—but the Bulger family is bracing for the worst.