James Bulger Killer Jon Venables Applies for Parole Again

Jon Venables, one of the two 10-year-olds convicted of the 1993 abduction and murder of toddler James Bulger, has made a new bid for parole, which could potentially see him released by the end of the year. Venables, now 42, has previously been released on licence in 2001 but was twice recalled to prison for possessing child abuse images, serving a 40-month sentence for the latter offense. His most recent parole application was refused in December 2023 due to the assessment that he still poses a risk to the public. Authorities have informed James Bulger's parents that Venables will be referred to the Parole Board within six months, reigniting fear and distress within the family, who remain adamant that he should never be freed. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has reportedly communicated that she does not support Venables’ release while in office. The parole process is in early stages, involving assessments by psychologists and probation officers, and Venables has failed three previous parole bids.