It is the first time they have been allowed to attend a hearing about his future

THE parents of murdered toddler James Bulger have won the right to speak at the parole hearing of his killer Jon Venables.

Denise Fergus, 57, and her ex-husband, Ralph Bulger, 59, can read out victim impact statements at the hearing — due by the end of the year.

t means they would be able to explain to the panel that they fear Venables being freed because he still poses a danger.

It is the first time they have been allowed to attend a hearing about his future.

A source said: “Both Denise and Ralph strongly believe Venables cannot be rehabilitated and is a massive danger.

“Being able to say that in person will be much more powerful than an official doing it on their behalf.

“It could make a difference as to whether he walks free or not.”
James Bulger’s mother Denise Fergus and her ex-husband will be able to attend killer Venables’ parole hearingCredit: PA:Press Association

Surveillance camera footage showing the abduction of James Bulger by Jon Venables.
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Venables and Robert Thompson led the two-year-old out of a shopping centreCredit: Getty
Venables, now 43, was ten when he and Robert Thompson abducted and murdered two-year-old James in Liverpool in 1993.

He was freed in 2001 with a new identity but has been recalled to jail twice over child abuse images.

He was refused parole in 2023.

Denise Fergus, mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, outside the Old Bailey.
James Bulger’s mother Denise Fergus and her ex-husband will be able to attend killer Venables’ parole hearingCredit: PA:Press Association

Surveillance camera footage showing the abduction of James Bulger by Jon Venables.
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Venables and Robert Thompson led the two-year-old out of a shopping centreCredit: Getty