AGONY AND FURY

James Bulger's mum Denise ahead of hearing Venables ask for freedom in his own words

- BY BEN GRIFFITHS, PHIL CARDY and TOM PETTIFOR Crime Editor

JAMES Bulger's mum is braced for the horror of hearing his killer Jon Venables’ voice again after he was granted a fresh parole bid.

Twisted Venables - just 10 when he tortured and killed two-year-old James in 1993 - could be back on the streets later this year if he is successful.

James’ mum Denise Fergus, 57, has been granted access to one of now 43-year-old Venables’ hearings for the first time ever.

In an exclusive interview, she said: “It is distressing and makes me angry that I've now been told that James killer will be afforded a parole hearing and a chance of release.

“Surely this person has proved he cannot be given yet another chance, yet he’s been given one.

“The parole board must remember, he’s not a 10-year-old anymore. He's bigger, he's stronger, he’s got more wits about him.

“My worry is that if he’s released, he'll lose that protection, he'll be looking over his shoulder the whole time, he'll have a target on his back.

“He's not going to like it in the real world. What is he going to do to get back inside?” On readying herself to hear Venables’ voice again, she said: “I'm braced for it.

“It will be hard to listen to the person who killed James but I can feel in my bones that it is something I've got to do.

“I have to be part of this hearing. I'm not focusing on how he'll sound, how apologetic or polite he might sound.

“I don't care what he says. If he starts giving excuses, I'll be seething inside and will have to sit on my hands.

“He can say he's rehabilitated or how he’s changed as many times as he likes...

“He killed my son. I want him to know that I'm there. I want him to know I haven't forgotten, I haven't forgiven and I will always know what he is.