Huge blow to James Bulger’s devastated family as they are barred from attending killer Jon Venables’ parole hearing
MURDERED toddler James Bulger’s parents have been barred from attending his killer’s parole hearing.
The move means they cannot read out statements explaining why they think Jon Venables should stay behind bars.
But parole chiefs will speak to Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger over potential living arrangements for the murderer if he is freed from prison.
The family are angry that Venables will be able to speak at the private hearing next Tuesday and Wednesday but they will not be heard.
In their separate impact statements Denise, 55, and Ralph, 57, will outline fears that Venables — twice recalled to prison over child sex abuse images — will reoffend if freed.
They will also say it is unfair he knows who they are and where they live but they would know nothing about him if he were released.
Venables, 40, and Robert Thompson were ten when they killed two-year-old James in Merseyside in 1993.
They got lifelong anonymity on release in 2001 but Venables was jailed again in 2010 and 2018.
He was 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.
“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.”
Parole staff will now talk to Denise and Ralph.
Our source 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.”
Ralph has said he wants a public hearing so his son’s killer can hear him say he should be kept in jail.
The Parole Board said: “The hearing will be held privately, similar to the vast majority of parole hearings.”