Jon Venables, Killer of James Bulger, to Remain in Prison

Jon Venables, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, will remain behind bars. Venables and Robert Thompson, both then aged 10, abducted James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, and led him to a railway track where they beat him to death. Venables informed a Parole Board panel during a private hearing that he was not seeking release.

The panel considered evidence from probation officers, psychologists, and a psychiatrist. All but one of the professionals concluded that he should remain in prison. The panel also heard a victim personal statement that conveyed the devastating impact of Venables' crime.

Panel members expressed concerns about Venables' ability to work with probation staff and his openness and honesty in supervision, as well as the need for further work in custody to address his sexual interests. Despite Venables' articulation of his remorse, which was assessed as genuine and sincere, the panel was not satisfied that he was suitable for release.