The family of James Bulger is experiencing distress as Jon Venables is preparing for another parole hearing. Venables, who was 10 at the time, was involved in the torture and murder of two-year-old James in 1993 along with Robert Thompson.

Venables had been released on license in 2001 but was later imprisoned in 2010 for possessing inappropriate images of children. Despite subsequent releases, he was again detained in 2017 for the same offense. The Parole Board’s decision in 2023 deemed Venables a continuing risk to children, leading to his current bid for freedom.

Venables and Thompson, referred to as Boy A and Boy B during the trial due to their age, have undisclosed identities for their protection. Details of Venables’ troubled upbringing, including violent incidents, emerged during the trial.

Venables, part of a relatively affluent family compared to Thompson’s, exhibited disruptive behavior at school, showcasing a pattern of troubling actions. His association with Thompson, whom his parents viewed as a negative influence, was highlighted.

The breakthrough in James’s case came from a Venables family friend. Following the discovery of James’s body, Venables and Thompson were arrested based on a neighbor’s tip, ultimately leading to Venables confessing to the murder during a police interview.

After a trial in 1993, Venables and Thompson were convicted of James’s murder. Venables displayed visible remorse during the court proceedings, contrasting Thompson’s stoic demeanor. Both boys received lengthy sentences for their actions.

Venables’ subsequent legal issues include multiple imprisonments for child abuse-related offenses, leading to various parole outcomes. Thompson, in contrast to Venables, has not been reported to reoffend since his release.