🚨 “Justice feels closer than ever.” 🚨 After more than 30 heartbreaking years, Denise Fergus is finally getting a powerful moment in her long fight for her son James.

The system has once again denied freedom to Jon Venables—one of the boys responsible for the tragic loss of her little 2-year-old boy back in 1993. She calls this the “most powerful step” toward real justice… not just for James, but for every family who’s ever refused to give up.

But the story isn’t over. With repeated mistakes behind bars and endless hearings, Denise vows she’ll keep fighting until her last breath.

Full details:

More than three decades after the abduction and death of 2-year-old James Bulger in Merseyside, England, his mother Denise Fergus continues to advocate for justice and systemic change. Recent developments in the case of Jon Venables—one of the two individuals convicted in the 1993 crime—have once again placed the spotlight on the family’s enduring struggle and the complexities of Britain’s parole system.

In late 2023, the Parole Board rejected Venables’ application for release, determining that he continued to present a risk to public safety, particularly to children. This decision, which denied him parole after multiple prior releases and recalls, was met with relief by Fergus and her supporters. She described it as a significant advancement in her pursuit of accountability, emphasizing that it represented a meaningful acknowledgment of the lasting impact on victims’ families.

The original case remains one of the most scrutinized in modern British history. On February 12, 1993, James Bulger disappeared from a shopping center in Bootle while with his mother. CCTV footage captured two 10-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, leading the toddler away by the hand. James’s body was discovered two days later near a railway line. The trial that followed convicted both boys of murder, making them the youngest murderers in Britain in nearly a century.

Venables and Thompson were sentenced to be detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure and served eight years in secure facilities before their release on lifelong license in 2001. New identities were provided under strict conditions to shield them from public retribution. Thompson has maintained a low profile since release and has not faced further legal issues.

Venables’ post-release record, however, has included serious breaches. He was recalled to prison in 2010 for offenses involving indecent images of children and released again in 2013. In 2017, he was returned to custody for similar violations, resulting in extended incarceration. These incidents have fueled debates about rehabilitation effectiveness and the suitability of repeated parole opportunities for high-profile offenders with repeated license failures.

As of early 2026, Venables—now 43—has been granted an oral parole hearing, with no confirmed date. Fergus has received permission to attend and observe the proceedings, a step she views with mixed emotions. A spokesperson for Fergus, Kym Morris, noted that the news has reopened significant emotional strain for the family. “Once again, Denise Fergus has been forced to confront a process that reopens unimaginable trauma,” Morris stated. Fergus had hoped for a summary rejection without a full hearing, but that outcome was not granted.

In media appearances, including on Good Morning Britain, Fergus has spoken candidly about the toll of these proceedings. She has called for legislative reform, specifically proposing that individuals who breach parole conditions multiple times—especially in cases involving child-related offenses—should be ineligible for future consideration. “If parole is breached twice, as in this case, it should never be considered again,” she argued, highlighting the mental exhaustion of preparing for each potential release evaluation.

Fergus has expressed particular concern about Venables’ current circumstances, noting that he is now an adult and potentially more capable of harm outside a controlled environment. She maintains that he should remain incarcerated indefinitely, citing his history as evidence of ongoing risk. Despite the distress, she participates actively to represent her son’s memory and ensure victim perspectives are considered.

The Parole Board conducts independent assessments, reviewing comprehensive reports from psychologists, probation services, and other experts. Decisions prioritize public protection, rehabilitation progress, and compliance history. Hearings for sensitive cases like this are often private to safeguard participants and prevent undue influence.

Public opinion on the matter remains divided. Many support Fergus’ position, arguing that the severity of the original offense and subsequent breaches justify permanent detention. Others contend that youth offenders deserve pathways to redemption, and that indefinite imprisonment without realistic release prospects could conflict with rehabilitation principles and human rights standards.

The Bulger case has influenced several policy areas over the years. It contributed to discussions on the age of criminal responsibility, victim involvement in parole processes, and supervision for released offenders. Fergus has channeled her experience into advocacy, working with support groups and campaigning for stronger safeguards for victims and families.

Robert Thompson’s contrasting trajectory—staying offense-free since 2001—highlights the variability in rehabilitation outcomes. The disparity between the two has often been cited in arguments about individual circumstances and the justice system’s ability to differentiate risk levels.

As the 2026 hearing looms, Fergus prepares for what could be another emotionally charged chapter. She has described the process as draining but necessary, driven by a commitment to honor James and prevent similar pain for others. James would now be in his early 30s if not for the events of 1993.

Whatever the Parole Board’s eventual ruling, the case continues to evoke strong feelings across the UK. For Fergus, each development is a reminder that closure remains elusive. Her persistence underscores a broader message: for some families affected by violent crime, the pursuit of justice is a lifelong endeavor.

The upcoming decision will likely reignite national conversation about balancing rehabilitation with public safety, victim rights, and the long-term consequences of childhood offenses. Until then, Denise Fergus remains steadfast, her voice a constant in a story that has spanned generations.