Jon Venables, one of the convicted killers of two-year-old James Bulger, has been granted another parole hearing.
This shocking update could see him out of prison in just a few weeks.
Venables, along with Robert Thompson, became infamous in 1993 when they abducted and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in Bootle, Merseyside. Both were just ten years old at the time.
Venables received a life sentence for the crime but was released in 2001 under a new identity and license conditions. However, he found himself back in prison at the age of 40 and being convicted of possessing indecent images of children.
Currently, he is serving his time at HMP Frankland in County Durham.
The Sun reported on Sunday that Venables has been granted a new parole hearing, with a source telling the publication: "Venables is buoyant as he believes this is his best, and possibly his last, chance of freedom.
"He has got the official confirmation and has been working on his presentation to the parole panel."
Both of James Bulger's parents have reportedly submitted statements opposing Venables' potential release.
However, another insider told The Sun that it's "incredibly unlikely" Venables will be set free, one reason being that he is a "chaotic character" who has clearly not been rehabilitated despite spending much of his life behind bars.
The Justice Secretary is also reportedly working on gaining the power to stop the release of repeat offenders through the Victims and Prisoners Bill expected next year. Meanwhile, the Parole Board has confirmed they are "following standard procedures" for Venables' case.
In 2018, Venables was sentenced to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing indecent images of children and a pedophile manual. A spokesperson for Denise Fergus, James Bulger's mother, expressed that she faced a "horrendous ordeal" having to confront the "vile behavior of her son’s killer".
During Venables' sentencing, Mr. Justice Edis remarked:
"This case is unique because when you were 10 years old, you took part in the brutal murder and torture of James Bulger. That was a crime which revolted the nation and which continues to do so, even after the 25 years that have passed since it happened."
The judge also stated that the images Venables downloaded were 'heartbreaking'.
