Denise Fergus has spoken publicly following the decision to deny parole to Jon Venables, marking another significant chapter in a case that has remained etched in the national conscience for more than three decades.
Venables, who along with Robert Thompson was convicted in 1993 for the abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger, has had previous parole reviews and was returned to prison in 2017 for separate offences. The Parole Board confirmed that, following its latest review, he will remain in custody. As with all such decisions, the ruling followed a detailed risk assessment process conducted under established legal criteria.
For Denise Fergus, the announcement represents a moment of emotional weight. Over the years, she has consistently voiced concerns about public safety and the handling of Venables’ supervision after his initial release. In past statements, she has spoken about the lifelong impact of her son’s death and her determination to ensure that the justice system does not lose sight of the gravity of the crime.
The Parole Board does not base its decisions on punishment or public opinion, but on whether an individual continues to pose a risk to the public. Reviews consider psychological reports, behaviour in custody, and evidence of rehabilitation. If risk is deemed too high, release is refused.
The case has long prompted debate about sentencing, rehabilitation, anonymity protections, and victims’ rights. Each parole review tends to reopen deep wounds for the Bulger family and reignite national discussion about how the justice system balances accountability with the possibility of reform.
While the decision will not erase decades of grief, it has brought a sense of relief to those who believe continued detention is necessary. For Denise Fergus, it is another moment in a journey that has spanned 30 years — one defined by loss, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her son’s memory.