Child murderer Jon Venables ‘could walk free from prison IN WEEKS’

Jon Venables, who was one of two ten year old boys who murdered two-year-old James Bulger in Bootle in February 1993, is again seeking his release from prison. 

James’ father Ralph Bulger has appealed to the Home Secretary Dominic Raab to use his powers to block the killer’s release.  

Venables and his co-accused Robert Thompson were both released from prison on licence with new identities in 2001. 

However, Venables was sent back to prison in 2010 and 2017 for possessing indecent images of children. He has also been arrested for his involvement in a drunken brawl and possession of cocaine. 

Jon Venables, left, was convicted alongside Robert Thompson, right, of the brutal murder of James Bulger in February 1993. The pair kidnapped the toddler from a shopping centre in Bootle before torturing and murdering him

James Bugler, pictured, was aged two when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Venables and Thompson. The pair were released on licence in 2001. Venables has been returned to jail twice since his release after being caught in possession of images of child abuse

The killer is currently serving a 40-month jail term and passed the halfway point in October. 

However, ‘Westminster turmoil’ prevented him in securing a pre-Christmas parole hearing. 

Under the current legislation, Venables was entitled to another parole hearing within two years of his last bid in September 2020.  

According to The Sun, the 40-year-old killer has a ‘strong chance’ of release. 

James’ father, Ralph told The Sun: ‘If Venables is walking around as a free man as we mark 30 years of losing our beautiful boy, it would be the ultimate betrayal.’ 

He said Justice Secretary Dominic Rabb should use his power and influence to block Venables’ return to society. 

He said: ‘Mr Raab has pledged to crack down on the most dangerous criminals in this country.

Ralph Bulger, pictured, has urged Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to use his powers to block Venables’ release claiming his son’s murderer still poses a great risk to society

‘Venables should be top of that list and never see daylight again.’

Mr Bulger said he wants to attend any parole hearing. He said a hearing could be held in ‘early 2023’. 

He said Venables was a risk to society and a continued danger to children. 

He added: ‘I’m bracing for the worst news because I’ve no trust left in the warped system of this country. But Dominic Raab can change that.’

James’ mother, Denise Fergus has also urged the government to block Venables’ release claiming he is ‘still a danger’.