James Bulger’s Killer Jon Venables Remains In Custody After Parole Denied
The UK Parole Board denies release to Jon Venables, citing a continued risk to children despite the inmate's decision not to seek freedom from prison.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Jon Venables will remain incarcerated after the Parole Board determined that he continues to present a danger to young people. The decision follows a review where a panel concluded they were not satisfied with the inmate’s suitability for release.
Venables was just ten years old when he was convicted of the brutal murder of two-year-old James Bulger in Merseyside in 1993. Alongside Robert Thompson, who was also ten at the time, Venables lured the toddler away from a shopping center where he had been with his mother.
During his recent private parole hearing, Venables reportedly informed staff that he was not actually seeking to be let from prison. Despite this stance, the board maintained its refusal based on the level of risk he poses to the public.
Since his original conviction, Venables has a record of having reoffended twice. A source close to the family of the young victim expressed overwhelming relief regarding the board’s decision to keep him behind bars.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)