The move has left James’s family in fear, say sources.

Mugshot of Jon Venables at age 10.

James Bulger’s killer Jon Venables has applied for parole AGAIN – and could be freed by the end of the yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Photo of James Bulger.
James Bulger’s body was found in February 1993Credit: PA:Press Association
Officials have warned them that Venables, now 42, who abducted and murdered the two-year-old in 1993, will be referred to the Parole Board within six months.

He was last refused parole in December 2023 after a panel ruled he posed a risk.

But a source said: “It’s very worrying that the process has started all over again. How many chances does he need before they throw away the key?

“The family are wracked with fear, and who can blame them?”

Probation chiefs are said to have assured James’s parents — mum Denise Fergus, 55, and her ex-husband Ralph Bulger, 58 — that Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood does not want him freed “on her watch”.

Venables and Robert Thompson, then both ten, took James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. They were convicted in 1993 and given life sentences.

Venables was released on licence in 2001 after eight years in youth custody.

He was recalled to jail in 2010 after child abuse images were found on his computer. Venables was freed again in 2013 but was recalled in 2017 over more images.

He was given a 40-month prison term, and has failed in three parole bids since.

His latest attempt is understood to be in the early stages as he is assessed by psychologists and probation chiefs.

A representative of Denise had been contacted. The Parole Board did not comment.


Jon Venables and Robert Thompson led the two-year-old out of the shopping centreCredit: Getty
 


Venables and Robert Thompson, pictured, took James from a shopping centre in Bootle, MerseysideCredit: PA:Press Association
 


Probation chiefs are said to have assured James’s parents — mum Denise Fergus that the Justice Secretary does not want Venables freedCredit: PA:Press Association