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<\/p>\nJUSTICE chiefs have delayed a decision on child killer Jon Venables\u2019 parole bid \u2013 sparking fears he could be freed just before Christmas.<\/p>\n
The fiend \u2013 who abducted and murdered James Bulger, two, in 1993 with accomplice Robert Thompson – had a private hearing, starting on November 14. <\/p>\n
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It ended the same week, with a result expected 10 to 14 days later.<\/p>\n
But Parole bosses now plan to reveal their verdict on whether he can be released in mid-December.<\/p>\n
And it has sparked fears Venables, 41 \u2013 freed in 2001 but twice recalled to prison over child abuse images \u2013 could be freed during the quiet festive period.<\/p>\n
A decision is now expected by December 15, and parliament breaks for Christmas four days later \u2013 returning on January 8.<\/p>\n
Yesterday a source said: \u201cJames\u2019 family are terrified of what this means.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally his release would spark questions in the Commons but that wouldn\u2019t happen if he comes out just before Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole thing seems to have been skewed in his favour \u2013 including having the private hearing \u2013 and now they are taking ages to reach a decision.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt is worrying and very irregular, with the family being largely kept in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n We told earlier this month how Venables did not appear at his parole hearing \u2013 although it was held in private to protect his mental health.<\/p>\n Venables, whose identity would have been disguised, dodged cross-examination or hearing the impact statements of James\u2019 separated parents Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger.<\/p>\n Ralph, 57 \u2013 who has warned Venables will kill again if released \u2013 slammed the move, which he branded \u201ctwisted\u201d.<\/p>\n Last night a spokeswoman for Denise Fergus said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been made aware that the parole decision, initially expected this week, will now be made in another two weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this news<\/span> is frustrating for Denise and her family, we understand and appreciate the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in such matters.<\/p>\n \u201cDenise and her family are grappling with heightened emotions and uncertainty.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is our sincere hope that, despite the delay, the parole board will carefully consider all relevant factors and make the decision that ensures the safety of the public, well-being of Denise and her loved ones- by not granting Jon Venables parole.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for your understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n Venables and Thompson were 10 when they snatched James from outside a butchers\u2019 in a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside in 1993.<\/p>\n They tortured, stripped and killed the toddler, whose battered body was found two days later beside a railway line.<\/p>\n The killers stood trial at Preston Crown Court and were detained indefinitely \u2013 before being released in 2001 under new identities after eight years in young offenders\u2019 institutions.<\/p>\n Thompson has not reoffended. But Venables has twice been recalled to prison \u2013 in 2010 and 2017 – for possessing child abuse images. On the second occasion he had a \u201cpaedophile manual\u201d.<\/p>\n He was refused parole in 2020.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/dk-page8-27nov-comp-v2.png\")
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