It Will Never Be Safe To Free My Son's Killer

Father of James Bulger speaks out as Venables refused parole

- Paul Byrne

James Bulger’s father last night said he could “rest easy” as one of his son’s killers was refused parole.

Jon Venables, 38, and his friend Robert Thompson were 10 in 1993, when they killed James, two, after taking him from Bootle, Merseyside.

They served eight years before being freed on license with lifelong anonymity, but Venables is now in jail for possessing child abuse images. It is understood he has been told it will be two years before he can apply for parole again.

James’ father Ralph Bulger said: “This is the first time ever that the right decision has been made regarding my son’s killers. I am so relieved because I was convinced he was getting out – just as he has done before.”