The individual responsible for the tragic death of James Bulger is seeking to prevent the victim’s parents from attending his upcoming parole hearing. Jon Venables, the convicted murderer who is now 43 years old, was granted a new hearing 11 months ago. Despite James Bulger’s parents, Ralph and Denise, being granted permission to attend the review, Venables has contested this decision.

Preparations for the hearing, initially scheduled for August last year, have been underway by the parents. However, Venables’ challenge has caused a delay, with the hearing now expected to occur no earlier than September. The proceedings are anticipated to include impact statements from the Bulger family.

A source expressed that the situation has caused additional distress to James’ family, raising questions about who the true victim is – the family or the perpetrator who inflicted harm on James. The source highlighted the emotional toll on the family and criticized Venables for attempting to avoid facing them at the parole hearing.

Venables gained infamy for the abduction, torture, and murder of two-year-old James Bulger in 1993. Despite being granted lifetime anonymity, Venables has indicated his refusal to participate in the hearing if James’ parents are present. In a previous parole hearing in November 2023, Venables did not appear in person, citing concerns about his mental well-being if faced with the victim’s family, leading to a closed-door session.

Following the developments, on December 13 of the same year, the Parole Board concluded that Venables would not be considered for release due to the ongoing threat he poses to children. The Mirror has reached out to the Parole Board for a statement regarding the matter.