💔 “FINALLY, JUSTICE FOR JAMES” — Denise Fergus Breaks Down in Tears After Jon Venables’ Parole Denied: “The Best Thing to Happen in 30 Years” ⚖️
After three long decades of heartbreak, Denise Fergus — the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger — says she can finally breathe again. Yesterday, the parole board officially rejected Jon Venables’ bid for freedom, ruling that he remains a danger to children. For Denise, it was the moment she’d prayed for since 1993.
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me in 30 years,” she said through tears. “For once, the system has done the right thing.” 💔
⚖️ “He Should Never See the Light of Day Again”
In an emotional exclusive, Denise described her “pure relief and elation” when she learned Venables’ parole had been denied. After years of fighting for justice — and sleepless nights fearing her son’s killer could soon walk free — she finally feels the weight lifting.
“I was braced for the worst,” she admitted. “I could barely sleep. I kept imagining one of the most evil men on the planet back on our streets. But when I got the call… I just broke down. It’s the first time ever something has gone my way.”
The parole board said Venables — now 41 — still shows “continuing issues of sexual preoccupation” and “cannot be trusted” to live in the community. The ruling means he could remain behind bars indefinitely if new government laws take effect, banning the release of dangerous reoffenders.
“It feels like the whole country is safer tonight,” Denise said. “He’s a murdering sexual predator, and this time, they finally listened.”
🕊️ A Mother’s Fight for Justice
Since the horrific murder of two-year-old James in 1993 — abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle by Venables and Robert Thompson, both just 10 at the time — Denise has fought tirelessly to keep her son’s killers behind bars.
Although both boys were convicted and detained indefinitely, they were released at age 18 under new identities. Thompson has not reoffended — but Venables has been jailed twice since, in 2010 and 2017, for possessing child abuse images.
“I’ve said it for years — he hasn’t changed, and he never will,” Denise said. “He has no remorse, no empathy, no apology. He should never see the light of day again.”
The parole board agreed, stating that Venables remains a serious threat. Their report warned of a “future risk” that he could reoffend by viewing child abuse material or even escalating to direct offences involving children.
“It’s frightening,” Denise said. “And it proves what I’ve been saying all along — he’s still dangerous.”
💬 “For Once, Justice Has Been Done”
Denise described the hours leading up to the decision as “torture.”
“I couldn’t focus on anything. I even tried putting up Christmas decorations to distract myself — but I couldn’t finish. My mind was consumed by fear.”
Then, at 10:30 a.m., her phone rang.
“When I heard the words ‘parole denied,’ I just froze. Then the relief came like a wave. I was shaking. I asked myself, ‘Is this really happening?’”
Her husband Stuart recalled the moment:
“I looked at her — it wasn’t a smile, but you could see the weight lift from her face. It was the first peace she’s had in years.”
🕯️ “He Should Feel the Anguish I’ve Lived With”
In her first statement since the ruling, Denise didn’t hold back.
“I hope Venables now feels even a fraction of the anguish I’ve lived with for 30 years. I’ve been to hell and back — but this time, he’s the one who’s lost.”
She added that she hopes this decision brings comfort not only to her family but also to the families of children depicted in Venables’ recent offences.
“Those victims deserve justice too. Maybe now they’ll have it.”
🌹 A Christmas of Peace
For the first time in years, Denise says she’s looking forward to Christmas — knowing Venables won’t be walking free anytime soon. He has 21 days to appeal, but experts believe it’s unlikely to succeed.
“If this decision was ever overturned, the outrage would be enormous,” she said. “The evidence against him is damning — and everyone knows it.”
As she prepares to spend the holidays surrounded by family, Denise finally feels a measure of the peace she’s fought for since that tragic February day in 1993.
