James Bulger’s killer Jon Venables could face life in jail under new law
JAMES Bulger’s killer Jon Venables could face life in jail under an upcoming new law, we can reveal today.
Legislation expected to be approved early next year would give the Secretary of State the final say on whether he is let out.
Sources believe Venables would be kept behind bars as the Victims and Prisoners Bill makes public safety the sole priority for freeing repeat offenders.
Evil Venables, 40, was recalled to jail for possessing child sex images on licence in both 2010 and 2017.
Venables is said to be “terrified” because his Parole Board hearing keeps being delayed.
Until the new Bill is passed, it would be conducted under existing law that takes into account the rights of inmates.
READ MORE JAMIE BULGER
James’ mum Denise Fergus, 55, has met Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to voice her opposition to Venables’ ever being released.
A source said: “The family are thrilled by Venables’ fading freedom hopes.
"They know his planned parole hearing has been put back.
“If it’s shunted back again, the Victims and Prisoners Bill could go through parliament, meaning it would affect him.
Most read in The Sun
“Even if his next hearing happens before its passed, it would be surprising if he’s let out as his previous releases have been deeply unsuccessful.
“He was denied parole in 2020 and he is probably worried that he will never be able to taste freedom again.”
Venables and Robert Thompson, both then ten, were jailed indefinitely in 1993 for murdering two-year-old James after snatching him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, while Denise was at the butcher’s.
They were freed in 2001 with new identities. Venables is held at a category-A jail in northern England.
The Ministry of Justice did not comment.
