James Bulger’s mother has spoken of her overwhelming relief after Jon Venables was refused release from prison once again. But behind the Parole Board’s decision lies a deeply troubling assessment of his behaviour, his willingness to cooperate with supervision, and the potential danger he could still pose to children.

More than three decades after the murder that horrified Britain, Jon Venables, now 44, has once again been told he cannot return to society.

The Parole Board confirmed that its panel was not satisfied he was suitable for release. However, the decision involved more than a straightforward assessment of his eligibility.

According to the published findings, Venables himself acknowledged that he needed further work in custody and informed the panel that he was not seeking release.

Yet that admission was only part of a much more concerning picture.

THE REAL REASON BEHIND THE DECISION

The panel examined evidence from prison and community probation officers, three psychologists and a psychiatrist.

All but one of the professionals recommended that Venables remain behind bars.

Their concerns extended beyond his original crime, focusing on whether he could be trusted to cooperate with supervision and remain open and honest with probation staff.

Perhaps most significantly, the panel identified an ongoing need for further work in custody to address his sexual interests.

These findings raised serious questions about whether the risks associated with his release could be safely managed in the community.

Although Venables expressed what professionals considered genuine and sincere remorse, the panel concluded that this was not sufficient to justify his freedom.

The distinction was crucial: remorse did not automatically mean rehabilitation, and rehabilitation did not necessarily mean that the public would be safe.

A MOTHER’S OVERWHELMING RELIEF

For James Bulger’s mother, Denise Fergus, the announcement brought an emotional moment of relief after months of uncertainty.

Her spokeswoman, Kym Morris, told the Daily Mail that Denise had been desperately awaiting the decision.

“She is delighted that Jon Venables will not be able to harm another family like hers for at least another two years,” Morris said.

She explained that Denise had feared the possibility of his release because of her firsthand understanding of the devastation his actions caused.

“Her main emotion today is one of overwhelming relief,” Morris added.

For the family, the ruling represents another period of reassurance, although it cannot erase the tragedy that changed their lives forever.

THE CRIME THAT SHOCKED BRITAIN

In February 1993, two-year-old James Bulger was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside.

Venables and Robert Thompson, both just ten years old, took the toddler away before subjecting him to a horrific attack that ended in his death.

The murder became one of Britain’s most notorious criminal cases, provoking national outrage and an enduring debate about childhood violence, punishment and rehabilitation.

Both offenders were eventually released on licence in 2001, having served their original custodial sentences.

But Venables repeatedly returned to prison.

In 2010, he was recalled after indecent images of children were discovered on his computer.

He was released again in 2013, only to be recalled in November 2017 following further offences involving indecent images of children.

A previous parole review in 2023 also concluded that he continued to present a danger to children.

WHY THE PRIVATE HEARING CAUSED ANGER

The latest review took place behind closed doors, a decision previously condemned by James’s parents.

His father, Ralph Bulger, described himself as “absolutely raging” over the secrecy.

The Parole Board maintained that a private hearing would reduce the risk of identifying Venables and sensationalising the proceedings.

But James’s family argued that greater transparency could help the public understand how such sensitive decisions are reached.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Venables will remain in custody, with another parole review potentially taking place in approximately two years.

The latest findings make clear that his future release cannot be assumed.

Before any such decision, the authorities must be satisfied that the risks he presents can be safely managed outside prison.

For Denise Fergus, the ruling offers something she has fought for throughout decades of grief: reassurance that the man responsible for her son’s death will not be released at this stage.

But the most unsettling aspect of the decision remains the same.

More than 30 years after James Bulger’s murder, the question is no longer simply whether Jon Venables regrets what he did — it is whether he can ever be considered safe enough to return to society.