Bulger killer Venables granted parole

Jon Venables, one of the killers of toddler James Bulger, has been granted parole after he was sent back to jail for accessing child pornography.

File photo of Jon Venables, one of James Bulger's killers. Picture: PA

Now in his 30s, he had his parole revoked in 2010 and was jailed for two years after admitting downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

Earlier this year, James’s mother, Denise Fergus, and father, Ralph Bulger, addressed Venables’ parole hearing and pushed for him to remain in prison. But the decision went against them.

On her official Twitter page, Mrs Fergus said yesterday: “Just don’t believe what I’ve got 2 go through. AGAIN.”

Shortly afterwards, she posted: “Venables is getting released.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “The re-release of life-licensed offenders is directed by the independent Parole Board once they are satisfied they can be safely managed in the community. Their life licence lasts for the rest of their lives, and they may be recalled to prison at any time for breaching their licence conditions.”

A Parole Board spokesman said: “We’ve had confirmation that all parties have been told and we can confirm that it was a release decision. He will be released.”

Venables and Robert Thompson were aged ten when they abducted and murdered James near Liverpool in 1993.