The parole bid of Jon Venables, one of the killers of two-year-old James Bulger, has been delayed by two weeks, leaving many fearing that the notorious child murderer could be quietly released just before Christmas. Justice officials confirmed the delay today.

James Bulger was tragically tortured and killed by Venables and his accomplice, Robert Thompson when they were both just ten years old. The horrific crime occurred in 1993 when the young victim was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside.

Venables, who is now 41 years old, had been granted a private hearing for his parole bid. The Parole Board had determined that a public hearing would cause “disproportionate emotional stress” to the killer. However, despite the private nature of the hearing, Venables failed to appear.

The Parole Board has now chosen to postpone their decision on Venables’ parole bid until mid-December. This delay has raised concerns among the public and the victim’s family that he could be released during the quiet period just before Christmas when parliamentary sessions are not in progress.

A source close to the situation conveyed the anxieties of James Bulger’s family, stating, “James’ family are terrified of what this means. It is really irregular to take so long, and they are worried Venables could be sneaked out when it is quiet before Christmas and parliament is not sitting.

This delay comes in the wake of calls by various figures, including former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett, for Venables’ parole appeal to be rejected. Lord Blunkett asserted that individuals seeking release must appear in person when there are concerns about rehabilitation. Several Tory ex-Justice Secretaries, including Sir Robert Buckland, Brandon Lewis, and Chris Grayling, have also advocated for Venables’ continued incarceration.

Denise Fergus, James Bulger’s mother, who has endured “three decades of hell” since her son’s murder, has passionately urged the Parole Board to deny Venables’ parole, emphasizing the importance of keeping the public safe from him. She has expressed concerns that Venables has been afforded excessive protections, including a private hearing and a new identity if released, making him seem to have the upper hand.

Denise Fergus, who has previously stated her confidence in the parole board, reiterated her hope that they “will see what this man is capable of, what he could inflict on society.”

Jon Venables and Robert Thompson were convicted of kidnapping, torturing, and killing James Bulger before leaving his mutilated body near a railway line in Liverpool in February 1993. Both were sentenced to prison in November of that year.

Venables was released on strict license in July 2001 but recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was released again in August 2013 and recalled once more in November 2017 for the same offence. His most recent parole application was rejected in September 2020.

If Jon Venables is ultimately released, he will be protected by a life-long anonymity order and will assume a new identity to protect his safety.