James Bulger murderer Jon Venables set for parole review

James Bulger murderer Jon Venables set for parole review

The potential release of one of James Bulger’s killers, Jon Venables, is currently under consideration by the Parole Board. Alongside Robert Thompson, both aged 10 at the time, they abducted two-year-old James from a shopping center in Merseyside in 1993 before murdering him. Venables was initially released on license in 2001 after serving eight years in prison, with lifelong anonymity provided. However, he was sent back to prison in 2010 for possession of indecent child images and breaching his parole conditions. Furthermore, in 2013, Venables was once again incarcerated for having child abuse images on his computer.

The Parole Board has confirmed that the review of Venables’ potential release is following standard procedures, with a referral from the justice secretary triggering the process. The abduction and murder of James by Venables and Thompson took place in 1993 after leading him to a nearby railway line from the Strand shopping center in Bootle. Despite an unsuccessful release application in 2020 and a subsequent denial in December 2023 due to posing a continued danger to children, another review is now underway.

Parole Board decisions are solely focused on the potential risk a prisoner could pose to the public upon release and whether this risk could be managed within the community. These decisions are the result of thorough examination of various evidence, including details of the original crime, behavior change evidence, and the impact on victims. Testimonies from individuals such as probation officers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and victim personal statements are crucial in these proceedings. While Venables has faced reoffending issues post-release, Thompson, on the other hand, has not been reported to have reoffended since his release in 2001.

In conclusion, the Parole Board review process involves meticulous examination of all relevant information to ensure the safety of the public remains the top priority. The consideration of Jon Venables’ potential release remains a highly sensitive and carefully managed process, acknowledging the gravity and impact of the crime committed

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