James Bulger killer Jon Venables has allegedly applied for parole again and if successful could be free by the end of the year.
News he may soon be released have reportedly left James’s family in fear.
Venables, now 42, and accomplice Robert Thompson abducted, tortured and murdered the two-year-old in 1993, when they were just ten years old.
Venables was last refused parole in December 2023, with a panel deciding he posed a risk.
It’s said officials have told the family his new bid could be referred to the parole board within six months.
A source told The Sun: ‘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?’
It’s believed the probation board has assured James’s mum, Denise Fergus, 55 and dad, Ralph Bulger, 58 – who are separated – that Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood does not want Venables to be freed while she is in office.
(Picture: PA)
Venables and Thompson, who snatched James in a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside while Denise was momentarily distracted, were given life sentences in 1993.
They were released on life-long licences in 2001, however, at the age of 18.
Venables was recalled in 2010 after child abuse images were found on his computer.
He was freed in 2013, but once again recalled after more images were discovered.
His latest bid for freedom is thought to be in the early stages as he is assessed by probation officers and psychologists.
The parole board told Metro the case had not yet been referred to them so they could not comment on it.
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