After decades of unimaginable pain and relentless campaigning, Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has spoken out in a powerful and emotional statement — calling the decision to deny Jon Venables parole “the best thing that’s happened in thirty years.”
The shocking remarks came just hours after the Parole Board announced its decision to keep Venables, one of James’s two child killers, locked up indefinitely following his latest failed bid for freedom.
“When I heard he’d been refused, I cried — but for once, they were tears of relief,” Denise said, her voice breaking. “It’s taken thirty years to finally feel like justice is still alive.”
According to exclusive sources close to the family, Denise had been living in “pure torment” in the weeks leading up to the hearing, terrified that Venables might be released and allowed to roam the streets once again. The news that he’d been denied has left her — and countless others across the nation — overwhelmed with relief and vindication.
“For too long, he’s been given chance after chance,” she continued. “Now, at last, someone has listened. This is the best thing that’s happened in thirty years.”
Venables, who along with Robert Thompson abducted and brutally murdered two-year-old James in 1993, has been jailed multiple times since his original release, each time for breaching his parole or reoffending. His repeated failures have fueled public anger and reignited debate over whether he should ever be granted freedom again.
The decision has also sparked an outpouring of emotion online, with thousands of users flooding social media to praise Denise for her strength and resilience. Many called her “the nation’s warrior mother,” while others described the ruling as “a rare moment of justice in a broken system.”
Government sources confirmed that the panel’s ruling was based on “substantial evidence of ongoing risk,” but stopped short of disclosing exact details. What’s clear, however, is that Denise’s tireless campaign — spanning petitions, court appeals, and public rallies — played a major role in ensuring Venables remained behind bars.
“Every day I wake up and think of my son,” Denise said softly. “He was just a baby. What they did was beyond evil — and it still haunts me. But today, I can finally breathe a little easier.”
As Britain reacts to the dramatic news, one thing has become undeniable:
Thirty years on, the fight for James Bulger’s justice still burns brighter than ever — and this time, his mother has scored a victory the whole nation will never forget.