Jon Venables as a child and a woman

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Jon Venables is reportedly engaged to be married to a woman who knows about his murderous past

Earlier this year Venables was jailed for 40 months after he admitted having more than a thousand indecent images of children and a child abuse manual.

However, prior to arrest and sentencing Venables is understood to have proposed his girlfriend last year.

The identity of the woman remains protected due to her association with Venables but it is understood the pair have been in a relationship for several years.

Venables, who is living under a new name, was reportedly ordered by officials to reveal his true identity to his girlfriend after authorities realised the relationship was becoming serious.

The convicted killer then told her how he and his childhood pal Robert Thompson abducted, tortured and murdered James Bulger in Liverpool in 1993.

Venables’s bride-to-be has also stood by him through his latest court appearance and has reportedly been showing-off her ring.

A source told The Sun: “Officials have made this woman fully aware of Venables’ horrific crimes yet this hasn’t stopped her wanting to be with him.

“She is going about her business in a normal way and intends to marry when he’s released from jail.

“Sadly James Bulger was robbed of his chance to find a soulmate later in life.”

Venables and his girlfriend are understood to have been living together when probation workers said they discovered a laptop hidden behind a headboard in his bedroom last year.

Robert Thompson who killed James with Venables

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Venables and his childhood pal Robert Thompson abducted, tortured and murdered James Bulger

Earlier a source also said: “There is nothing to stop Venables dating, but when the relationship became serious officials had a duty to inform the woman about his past.

“That included full disclosure about his criminal history, including his role in murdering James Bulger.

“She must be the only woman in the world who’s blissfully happy to be dating the devil.”

Venables was arrested after 1,160 files of child abuse images and videos were found with almost 400 of them being of the most depraved category, the Old Bailey heard.

James Bulger who was killed by Venables

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Venables revealed his identity as one of James Bulger’s killers

He was jailed for 40 months and there is no suggestion the girlfriend knew about the images and sordid activities before his arrest.

His fiancee is said to have no children herself.

Venables and Thompson were released on licence from a young offenders’ institution in 2001 when they turned 18 and were given new identities by the Government.