Fears James Bulger’s killer could be out of jail ‘in weeks’ | UK | News

A killer who abducted, tortured and killed a two-year-old boy has been granted another parole hearing.

Jon Venables led toddler James Bulger out of a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1993 after his mother took her eyes off him for a second along with Robert Thompson.

The toddler’s body was found on a railway line a few miles away two days after the abduction. 

The killers were released, with new identities and lifelong anonymity orders, in 2001.  

However Venables was recalled to prison in 2010 and again in 2017 – on the second occasion for possessing indecent images of children.

Venables, now aged 40 and in HMP Frankland in County Durham, could be released again within a matter of weeks if parole is granted, the Sun reports.

Both James Bulger’s parents, Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger, are understood to have written statements opposing Venables’ release.

Denise has previously spoken of her desire for her son’s killer not to be let out of prison again.

Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, is understood to hold a similar view, with one source telling the Sun it was unlikely Venables would be paroled.

However, another source told the paper:  “Venables is buoyant as he believes this is his best, and possibly his last, chance of freedom.

“He has got the official confirmation and has been working on his presentation to the parole panel.”

Express.co.uk has contacted the Home Office for comment.