Child Killer Jon Venables Denied Parole Again Over Public Safety Fears
Jon Venables, the infamous killer of toddler James Bulger, has had his latest parole bid shot down by the Parole Board. The 41-year-old, who committed the gruesome murder at just 10 years old, remains a serious risk to the public, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Parole Board Cites ‘Outstanding Levels of Risk’
Despite Venables showing some progress behind bars and while on licence, the Parole Board slammed his lack of transparency with probation officers. They insisted he must tackle “outstanding levels of risk” and build a better relationship with his supervisors before release can be considered.
The Board made it clear: releasing Venables now “would not be safe for public protection.”
Venables Snubs In-Person Hearing in James Bulger Family’s Presence
In a strategic move, Venables refused to give evidence during the hearing when a lawyer for James Bulger’s family was allowed to attend. Citing discomfort, he opted for a review based solely on written submissions, avoiding face-to-face questions.
Dark History Haunts Venables’ Parole Chances
- Venables abducted two-year-old James Bulger from a Bootle shopping centre in 1993 alongside Robert Thompson.
- After serving time, Venables was freed on licence in 2001, but was recalled twice for possessing indecent child images, in 2010 and 2017.
- His case last came before parole judges in September 2020.
A legal order keeps Venables and Thompson’s identities secret, so parole hearings remain closed-door. James Bulger’s family, though barred from attending the latest hearing, have repeatedly appealed for the Parole Board to prioritise public safety and their own welfare.
This latest parole rejection adds yet another grim chapter to a case that still haunts the nation almost three decades on.
