In an emotional moment that has resonated across the nation, Denise Fergus, mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has expressed profound relief following the Parole Board’s decision to deny release to one of her son’s killers, Jon Venables. Speaking through tears, Denise declared, “For the first time in 32 years, I can breathe,” describing the ruling as “the best thing to happen in 32 years.”

The two-year-old James was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, on February 12, 1993, by 10-year-old boys Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. They tortured and killed him, leaving his body on a railway line in one of Britain’s most shocking crimes. The case horrified the public, sparking debates on youth justice, rehabilitation, and public safety.

Venables and Thompson were convicted of murder, served eight years, and released on life licence in 2001 with new identities for protection. While Thompson has reportedly not reoffended, Venables has been recalled to prison multiple times for serious breaches, including possession of indecent images of children, highlighting ongoing concerns about his risk to the public, particularly children.

Denise has campaigned tirelessly against Venables’ potential release, fearing he remains a danger. The latest parole bid intensified her anxiety, but the board’s rejection – prioritizing public protection – has offered her a rare sense of security. “For once, the system has done the right thing,” she said, emphasizing that knowing no other child will be harmed by him brings a fragile peace. It’s not full closure for the unimaginable loss, but a step toward justice after decades of pain.

The decision reflects broader concerns in the justice system about managing high-risk offenders. Venables’ history of reoffending while on licence has fueled calls for stricter oversight and reforms to parole processes for the most serious crimes. Denise’s words capture the human toll: not vengeance, but protection for society.

Her reaction underscores the enduring grief for families of victims in landmark cases. James Bulger’s story remains a poignant reminder of innocence lost and the long shadow of tragedy. Through tears, Denise’s relief speaks to 32 years of advocacy, heartache, and unwavering love for her son.

As the nation reflects on this chapter, Denise’s fragile peace highlights a system striving to balance rehabilitation with safety. For her, this moment isn’t triumph – it’s the quiet assurance that justice, at last, has prevailed in preventing further harm.