James Bulger's Mother Calls for Public Parole Hearing for Killer Jon Venables

The mother of James Bulger, who was murdered in 1993, has urged that the upcoming parole hearing for Jon Venables be held publicly. Venables, who was 10 years old at the time of the crime, has been imprisoned multiple times since his release, most recently for possessing indecent images of children.

Denise Fergus believes a public hearing would clarify the parole process and counteract misinformation that has caused distress to her family. Venables, now 43, had a previous parole application denied in 2023, but he is set to present his case again following a notification received by Fergus earlier this year.

The Parole Board has acknowledged the application from Fergus and her partner, citing the public interest in the case as a reason for considering an open hearing. They argue that Venables should confront his past offenses publicly, especially given his subsequent convictions as an adult. The public can submit their views on this application until mid-August.