Evil murderer Jon Venables is said to be too ‘scared’ to attend his own parole hearing because of three people set to also be at the meeting

Jon Venables is said to be too ‘scared’ to attend his parole hearing(Image: PA)

Jon Venables, James Bulger’s evil killer, is reportedly too scared to attend his own parole hearing if the murdered toddler’s family is also there.

The murderer was previously released from prison in 2001 but recalled to jail in 2010 and 2017, for child abuse images offences. Venables was 10 when he and Robert Thompson abducted and killed two-year-old James in 1993, in Merseyside. The killer is expected to appear before officials again next month to try and have his parole granted. James’ parents, Denis Fergus and Ralph Bulger, won the right to attend the parole hearing and give their impact statements, but Venables is said to be petrified by this.

Venables and Robert Thompson brutally murdered James Bulger (pictured)(PA)

Venables previously had a parole request denied in December 2023 as officials ruled the notorious murderer posed a risk and had not been honest with probation bosses. He was also refused parole in 2020.

A source, speaking to The Sun, claimed the evil killer won’t be at his parole hearing if the parents of his victim are also there, saying: “Denise and her husband Stuart, plus James’s dad, Ralph, have every right to be there. But Venables has told officials there is no way he will attend if they are there. This just goes to show what a manipulative coward Venables is.”

The source added that this move could help keep the murderer in jail, adding: “But the good thing is that a no-show from him will likely harm his chances of being freed.”

James’ parents Denise Fergus (pictured) and Ralph Bulger will attend the parole meeting(PA)

Brave Denise Fergus, speaking exclusively to The Mirror in May, said she wanted to be at the parole hearing to look her son’s killer “in the eyes and remind him I’m still here”.

Denise said: “This is mental torture for me. It was only December 2023 that his application was denied as he was not deemed fit for society. What has changed? He has a lifelong record of reoffending. When will we ever get respite from this? It makes it all flood back.”

Venables and Thompson abducted the young boy from a Merseyside shopping centre, tortured him and left his mutilated body on a railway line in Liverpool. Both were convicted in 1993 and each handed a life sentence despite their young ages.

Venables and Thompson abducted James Bulger from a Merseyside shopping centre in 1993(PA)

In 2001, Venables was released after eight years in youth custody, however just nine years later he was found with child abuse images on his computer and recalled to jail.

He was freed in 2013, but once again had to be recalled in 2017 over further vile images. Despite only receiving a 40-month prison term, his past three parole bids have failed.

The former Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is previously said to have told James’ parents Denise and her ex-partner Ralph that she doesn’t want to see Venables freed.