Overview
- An oral parole hearing is expected within the next month after James Bulger’s family was notified on Tuesday, though no date has been confirmed.
- Denise Fergus has permission to observe and is expected to hear Venables speak for the first time in more than 30 years.
- Protective measures will conceal Venables’ face, his voice may be altered, and he has the option to give written evidence.
- Family members are due to submit victim impact statements for the panel’s consideration during the private hearing.
- Venables was released on life licence in 2001 but recalled in 2010 and 2017 over indecent images, and a 2023 Parole Board panel rejected release, citing ongoing danger to children.