In a powerful and emotional interview that has reignited national fury, James Bulger’s older brother, Jon Bulger, has publicly declared that Jon Venables — one of the two men convicted of murdering his toddler brother in 1993 — “does not deserve mercy” and must be returned to prison immediately. Speaking exclusively to The Sun on January 19, 2026, Jon revealed he is actively working with lawyers and campaigners to launch a fresh legal challenge aimed at revoking Venables’ lifelong anonymity and parole protections. “He’s been given chance after chance,” Jon said, his voice trembling with anger and grief. “He’s breached his licence again and again. Enough is enough. That monster does not deserve to walk free.”

The announcement comes amid renewed outrage after reports emerged that Venables, now 43 and living under a new identity for the fourth time, was once again recalled to prison in late 2025 for allegedly breaching the strict conditions of his release. Details of the breach remain sealed under court order, but sources close to the case say it involved possession of prohibited material and attempts to contact victims’ families. Venables and Robert Thompson were just ten years old when they abducted, tortured, and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993 — a crime that shocked the world and led to their unprecedented trial and detention. Both were released on licence in 2001 with new identities and lifelong anonymity orders.

Jon Bulger, now 38, has spent years campaigning for greater transparency and accountability in the case. He insists Venables has repeatedly violated the terms of his release and poses an ongoing risk to the public. “He’s had every opportunity to change — education, therapy, new identities, new countries — and he still ends up back inside,” Jon told the newspaper. “My mother Denise has fought for justice for over 30 years. My brother never got to grow up. Venables has had four lives. It’s time he faced real consequences.”

The interview has galvanized public support. #JusticeForJames and #RevokeVenablesAnonymity trended across the UK with over 1.8 million posts in 24 hours. Thousands have signed online petitions demanding the anonymity order be lifted permanently, arguing that repeated breaches prove the system has failed James’s family. Demonstrations outside the Ministry of Justice in London drew hundreds holding signs reading “Protect Children, Not Killers” and “No More Chances for Venables.”

Denise Fergus, James’s mother, issued a brief statement through supporters: “Jon speaks for all of us. We’ve suffered in silence for too long. Enough.” Legal experts say any new challenge would face significant hurdles — the anonymity order is protected by a High Court injunction — but Jon insists he will pursue every avenue, including European courts if necessary.

The case remains one of Britain’s most emotive and divisive. Venables was recalled to prison for the third time in 2023 for possessing indecent images of children, serving additional time before being released again. Each recall has renewed calls for his identity to be made public. The Ministry of Justice has declined to comment on the latest breach or Jon’s campaign, citing ongoing legal protections.

As 2026 begins, James Bulger’s murder — now 33 years ago — continues to haunt the nation. Jon’s determination is clear: this is not about revenge — it’s about justice, accountability, and protecting the next generation from ever facing the same fate. For a family that has carried unbearable pain for decades, the fight continues — and the public stands with them.