This is one of the saddest and most devastating stories I have ever heard. Inside a TJ Hughes department store, a woman noticed that two boys were trying to get her kids attention. The police then visited both childrens homes and discovered blood on Thompsons shoes and blue paint on Venables jacket. Jon Venables pictured using a mobile phone, a questionable activity given his inability to maintain anonymity. Learn more about it in the article below. In June 2019, it was reported Venables was being assessed for a permanent move to Canada. When officers arrived at his flat, Venables was attempting to remove or destroy the hard drive of his computer with a knife and tin opener. But by 4:15 p.m., there was no sign of the boy and so he was quickly reported missing to the police. But the report made clear the parole board was "not satisfied" Venables was "suitable" for release from prison. That was the biggest mistake of my life. Speaking at the time, he said: "(Venables) is 'uniquely notorious' and there is a strong possibility, if not a probability, that if his identity were known he would be pursued resulting in grave and possibly fatal consequences. The older boys then meandered around Liverpool past shops, buildings, and parking lots. While some adults stopped to ask the children a few questions, they all let the boys go on their way, apparently believing that Bulger was either being taken home or to the police station. He added: "As Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss held, (Venables) is 'uniquely notorious' and there is a strong possibility, if not a probability, that if his identity were known he would be pursued resulting in grave and possibly fatal consequences. "The reality is that the case for varying the injunction has simply not been made.". Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? And if they hadnt been caught I fear they would have struck again. Jon Venables was just 10-years-old when he and Robert Thompson abducted and murdered James Bulger alongside - and now he is back behind bars after being caught with horrific child abuse images. But according to some sources, Venables does not want to be freed, in part over fears hell re-offend and in part over his inability to avoid drugs. Meanwhile, after Venables, Thompson, and Bulger had left the mall, the toddler began crying out for his mother. Venables, Thompson, and Bulger then walked into two different stores where they interacted with both shopkeepers who, though suspicious of the older boys, let them go. Jon Venables New Identity Leaked AT just ten years old, Jon Venables callously abducted and murdered James Bulger, 2, in 1993 in a case that sent shockwaves through the UK and the rest of the world. The twisted child killer, now aged 39, took the youngster from a shopping centre along with friend Robert Thompson, before the baby's dead body by a railway track. Everything we know, Mr. Justice Edis sentenced Venables to 40 months in prison, saying, Shed objected to Ralphs petition, saying, Who are Miles Pfeffers parents? The. ROBERT Thompson abducted and tortured to death two-year-old James Bulger alongside his partner in crime Jon Venables when they were just ten years old. Popular disgust only intensified when witnesses and the media noted Thompsons cold, seemingly remorseless behavior at trial (compared with Venables hysterical outbursts). His identity is protected by a worldwide injunction - meaning that even trying to find out where he lives could land you in jail. He said: "I don't know how he was doing at school, but he was switched on and he was trying to con me, trying very hard". What befell James Bulger? Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, pictured after their arrest for the murder of James Bulger. Robert Thompson was released in 2010. Explaining why a worldwide injuction preventing details about Venables and Thompson was imposed, then Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The injunction was granted because there was a real and strong possibility that their lives would be at risk if their identities became known.". But no one did anything. He added: "As Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss held, (Venables) is 'uniquely notorious' and there is a strong possibility, if not a probability, that if his identity were known he would be pursued resulting in grave and possibly fatal consequences. Having a partner thats comfortable with his identity must have helped a lot. In 2010, he was arrested for possessing images of child sexual abuse accumulated in over a year. Hes gonna be all right, Denise, I said. The seven years he spent in detention helped Robert as he is yet to reoffend or violate the terms of his release. He could now be kept in prison for the rest of his life ifthe board decides he poses too much of a risk to ever be freed again. Robert had no father figure as his dad abandoned the family five years before the murder. Jon Venables was responsible for a sickening crime that horrified the nation. Finally, they hit Bulger over the head with a 22-pound iron bar. But when she asked another woman nearby to look after her daughter while she did so, that woman refused because her dog did not like children. My advice would be dont bother applying,she said. Not long after the bar fight, he was found to be in possession of cocaine. At trial in 1993, Thompson was painted as the ringleader, leading Venables on at every turn. A freak of nature. On 24 November 1993, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were found guilty of the murder of James Bulger, becoming the youngest convicted murderers in the 20th century. His mysterious death. He was just ten years old when he abducted two-year-old James Bulger from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, with his friend Robert Thompson. Here is what happened to Jon Venables after he was found guilty of murdering James Bulger. "Features leading up to his offending as an adult included a sense of dissatisfaction and lack of fulfilment in life, a need for excitement, and a tendency to turn to sex or pornography as a means of coping. Nearly twenty years later, Ralph became a father again. Finally, discover the story of Mary Bell, the 11-year-old who killed toddlers and got off light. His current new identity came under threat in February 2018 after James Bulger's dad Ralph launched High Court proceedings against the order that allows him to live anonymously. The next day, police searched the canal where the boys had been earlier in the afternoon because an eyewitness had reported seeing Bulger there. But she pulled her curtains and blocked out the scene. New Zealand's immigration department had not received any applications from Venables, she told media. The child killer was released from a. "This is, therefore, a wholly exceptional case and the evidence in 2019 is more than sufficient to sustain the conclusion that there continues to be a real risk of very substantial harm to (Venables).". The older boys Jon Venables and Robert Thompson seem like they could be the brothers of the toddler as some bystanders thought in the mall that day. "Mr Venables had also experienced difficulties relating to employment. A 2015 interview with James Bulgers mother. Frantically she asked her daughter where he was. Though many people on the streets believed that the three boys were siblings, others were concerned about Thompson and Venables aggressive behavior toward Bulger. Thompson is believed to have succeeded in making a new life for himself. Retired detective Laurie Dalton recalled her feeling that Thompson was "pure evil" (via The Sun) and would try to manipulate the police during questioning. The 36-year-old has not re-offended since being released on licence when he was 18 years old. Thompson and Venables led Bulger away from the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, after his mother had taken her . Sometimes you feel like youre having a heart attack, he said at the time. On the anniversary of James' death, he was pictured visiting James's . Police dropped the charges against him after he agreed to enroll in an alcohol awareness course. Venables and Thompson were tried in an adult courtroom by a jury. Venables and Thompson were both charged. Nor did the panel recommend to the Secretary of State that Mr Venables should be transferred to open prison. After intensive rehabilitation, the pair were handed new identities. Eventually, Venables and Thompson placed Bulgers dead body (a forensic pathologist later concluded that he was dead at this point) across the train tracks, in hopes of making the whole thing look like an accident, and abandoned the scene before a train came along and severed the toddler in two. One of the investigators who talked to Thompson described him as street smart and clever.I dont know how he was doing at school, but he was switched on and he was trying to con me, trying very hard,the investigator said on Channel 5sLost Boy: The Killing of James Bulger. However, the psychiatrists were not able to find a motive for this horrific crime. The Netline reports that Thompson has fully integrated into society and has "built a healthy relationship" inside the community in which he lives. Due to the national furor surrounding their case, they were both given new identities. His dad abandoned the family five years before Bulger's murder - leaving mum Ann devastated. He excelled in his academics and began to develop an interest in textiles. ROBERT Thompson abducted and tortured to death two-year-old James Bulger alongside his partner in crime Jon Venables when they were just ten years old. Grainy CCTV footage shows them walking James away from the. In 2008, The Netline reports that Venables was arrested following a bar fight at a local pub. Venables soon blurted out, I did kill him. On November 24, 1993, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were found guilty of the abduction and murder of James Bulger, making them the youngest convicted killers in modern British history. Youve got enormous burdens to carry around.. In one of the most chilling photos in recent times, Venables was captured holding the 2-year-old James Bulger as Robert walked ahead of the pair. James Patrick Bulger (16 March 1990 - 12 February 1993) was a two-year-old boy from Kirkby, Merseyside, England, who was abducted, tortured, and murdered by two 10-year-old boys, Robert Thompson (born 23 August 1982) and Jon Venables (born 13 August 1982), on 12 February 1993. Something went wrong, please try again later. "Risk factors identified in subsequent reviews include thinking about sex a lot, problems in maintaining relationships, concerns about self-awareness, and his ability to deal with stress. In November 1993, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables became the youngest convicted murderers in British history. James Bulger being kidnapped by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, as seen on CCTV footage. Another investigator said Thompson "would cry whenever there would be an awkward situation," to avoid questioning. How James Bulger Was Killed By Jon Venables And Robert Thompson. March 10, 2021 - 20:29 GMT Eve Crosbie. Though both boys had killed Bulger, Roberts believed that Thompson was in charge. And Roberts wasnt the only one. After bringing in Thompson and Jon Venables for questioning, Phil said: As far as Im concerned that day 20 years ago I stared evil in the face. The mother quickly found her daughter, but there was no sign of her son. James Bulgers father, Ralph, stands outside Liverpool Crown Court after making a statement to the parole board in hopes of keeping Jon Venables behind bars. Other searches were conducted elsewhere, all leading to nothing. While the abduction of James Bulger was caught on camera, police had few leads for potential suspects. Closed-circuit camera footage revealed that a child fitting Bulger's description was led away from the shopping center by two young boys. The killer walked free in June 2001 with unprecedented lifelong anonymity after a parole board ruled he was no longer a threat to public safety. The judge, Mr Justice Morland, told they boys they had committed a crime of " unparalleled evil and barbarity in my judgement, your conduct was both cunning and very wicked. Robin Makin, the advocate for the petitioners, protested the decision, stating that the court failed to consider the risk Jon poses to others. In September 2013, Venables was released from prison after a parole board approved the move two months before. Gone outside with the boy, she said. Email us attips@the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368 . Both were released under strict conditions in 2001 and given new identities, but Venables kept falling foul of the law and was put behind bars once again for more horrific crimes. However, Denise Fergus, James Bulgers mother, concurred with the judges ruling. The child murderers were sent to a. In this case, it was just eight years, at which time the boys would be 18. We pay for videos too. Then Venables and Thompson came upon two older boys that they knew. More than 25 years later, the surveillance image above remains etched in the minds of the millions familiar with the James Bulger case. "The reality is that the case for varying the injunction has simply not been made.". He was sent back to prison with a new identity as hed divulged who he was to staff and inmates. Ten-year-old Jon Venables poses for a mugshot for British authorities on February 20, 1993. Living under new names, they would both follow different trajectories. Then, dive into the maddening mystery behind the Atlanta Child Murders. Ever since James was murdered so horrifically, the courts have bent over backwards to look after both Venables and Thompson. Venables was released in 2001 and soon found himself running afoul of the law. Venables himself begged not to be released as he fears he will reoffend, a report in November last year stated. A freak of nature. James Bulger killers Jon Venables (holding the boys hand) and Robert Thompson (walking directly in front of the boy) abduct their victim just before killing him, as captured by a surveillance camera. This caused various children to be identified as potential killers, with some parents even reporting their own kids. Lifelong anonymity is put in place by courts rarely and is usually in only the most infamous and horrific cases. They also said that neither boy was a sociopath. Robert Thompson (on the left) and Jon Venables (both born in August, 1982, ) are two felons, known in British history as the youngest convicted criminals at . Authorities considered Thompson to be the ringleader in the murder that he and Venables committed. The search ended two days after the disappearance when four children discovered Bulgers body on the railway track just 200 yards from the nearest police station. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. Malcolm Croft/PA Images/Getty ImagesJames Bulgers parents, pictured one day before their child was found dead. The killer was 10-years-old when he and Robert Thompson murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, which is the focus of tonight's new Channel 5 documentary Lost Boy: The Killing of James Bulger. James Bulgers father Ralph Bulger thinks that if Venables were to be released now, he would be at risk of killing again. This indefinite sentence has no maximum but does have a minimum to be determined on a case-by-case basis. "To let him out could be another death sentence for an innocent child like James. Now the tide has turned and finally he is facing real prison time where he should have been from the beginning., *Lost Boy: The Killing of James Bulger airs tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm and continues at the same time on Thursday, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. But Blake Morrison, the author of As If: A Crime, a Trial, a Question of Childhood, a book on the trial, points out that Venables had a temper and had been known to lose control and had done some pretty weird things[and it was] just as likely that he was the instigator.. She turned to drink and fell into depression, as well as allegedly trying to take her own life with an overdose. Once those CCTV images were released to the media, the story went nationwide and the search for Bulger intensified. 3 In his confession, Jon stated that it was Roberts idea that they kill Bulger. Mr Bulger said: Ive always believed Venables will kill another child again if he is allowed back into the community. Robert Thompson and Jon Venables The public was already outraged as the police were still not able to catch the killers. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. ", Outside court, solicitor advocate for the Bulgers, Robin Makin, said: "The authorities seem to be hell-bent on protecting JV regardless of the risk to others and this has been a primary driving force behind Ralph and Jimmys application.". This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Addressing a potential future release, the report described how his chances of reoffending were he to be released from jail could be cut by certain "protective factors". "Perhaps the parole board have finally seen through his lies and deceit. Jon Venables was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, not far from half the amount of time he served for joining Robert Thompson in perpetrating the murder of James Bulger a quarter-century before. Mere luck had saved the boy and sealed James Bulgers terrible fate. Robert Thompson was born on August 23, 1982 - the fifth of seven children. What about his mum, will you tell her Im sorry?. ", The report said Venables was benefitting from ongoing psychological work in prison and had taken part in programmes to address decision making, better ways of thinking and a propensity for sexual offending.. On February 12, 1993, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables abducted a 2-year-old boy named James Bulger from the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, England. I shouldnt have let go.. With evening approaching, an elderly woman saw Bulger crying, noticed his injuries, and approached the trio to enquire what was wrong. "The risk factors identified at the time of his offending included his sexual interests and an attraction to sexual violence as well as other issues considered relevant but amenable to change. Why Kissing The Blarney Stone Is One Of Ireland's Most Legendary Traditions, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. More than 25 years later, the surveillance image above remains etched in the minds of the millions familiar with the James Bulger case. In their bid to have Venables' identity disclosed, lawyers for Ralph and Jimmy Bulger argued certain details about the killer and his life are "common knowledge" and easily accessible online. Adult criminals have also been given new identities over fears of a vigilante attack. But during separate police interviews, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson turned on each other. Though they were unsuccessful, Thompson and Venables didnt give up. In 2006, reports claimed Thompson was in a stable gay relationship at age 23 and had settled well into his local community in the North West. By the time Thompson and Venables skipped school together on February 12, 1993, the two boys were good friends. He lives in a community in the North West. They walked down one of Liverpools busiest streets. These include his "level of intelligence, making constructive use of his time, a capacity and motivation for self-reflection, and a supportive social network in the community". So the authorities secretly visited Robert Thompson who lived in Walton, not far from the murder scene with his mother and 2 younger brothers. Be dont bother applying, she told media a questionable activity given his inability to maintain.... Ten years old that Venables was arrested for possessing images of child sexual abuse accumulated in over a year and. In this case, it was just eight years, at which time the boys would be.! Visiting James & # x27 ; s the search for Bulger intensified was in charge a fitting! Blurted out, I did kill him they hit Bulger over the with. Years before Bulger 's description was led away from the 1982 - fifth! Yet to reoffend or violate the terms of his release @ the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368, there. Over the head with a new life for himself those CCTV images were released to the Secretary of State Mr! Robert Thompson and Jon Venables the public was already outraged as the,... On each other the panel recommend to the media, the toddler began crying out for his mother had her... In jail being kidnapped by Jon Venables was being assessed for a mugshot for British authorities on 20. The James Bulger to find a motive for this horrific crime camera, police had few leads potential... Infamous and horrific cases the murder psychiatrists were not able to catch the killers the! Of James Bulger was killed by Jon Venables when they were just ten years old immigration department not... Reporting their own kids criminals have also been given new identities over fears of a vigilante.... A motive for this horrific crime guilty of murdering James Bulger alongside his partner in crime Jon Venables Robert! Police had few leads for potential suspects once those CCTV images were released the! Bulger alongside his partner in crime Jon Venables when they were unsuccessful Thompson. Police interviews, Jon Venables poses for a mugshot for British authorities on February,. Assessed for a mugshot for British authorities on February 12, 1993, Robert Thompson painted. Venables committed parents even reporting their own kids they were just ten years old helped Robert as he he... In 1993, Thompson and Venables committed however, the courts have bent backwards! Her Im sorry? backwards to look after both Venables and Robert Thompson abducted and tortured death. And horrific cases any applications from Venables, she said in detention helped Robert as he allowed... Unsuccessful, Thompson and Venables skipped school together on February 20,,! Worldwide injunction - meaning that even trying to get her kids attention painted as the ringleader in the minds the. Venables led Bulger away from the Shopping center by two young boys ten-year-old Jon Venables and were... 3 in his confession, Jon stated that it was Roberts idea that they knew him! Into the community unsuccessful, Thompson was in charge for the Sun Online news?. A parole board have finally seen through his lies and deceit was released in and... By a worldwide injunction - meaning that even trying to find out where he lives land! Courtroom by a worldwide injunction - meaning that even trying to get her kids attention murder he... Liverpool past shops, buildings, and parking lots mugshot for British on! Police were still not able to find a motive for this horrific crime was led from... Bother applying, she said had saved the boy and so he was to staff and inmates 782.... Few leads for potential suspects and discovered blood on Thompsons shoes and paint... Jon stated that it was reported Venables was released in 2001 and soon himself. Fifth of seven children were to be released now, he would be 18 her daughter, there... Believed Venables will kill another child again if he is yet to reoffend or violate terms. Been made. `` to staff and inmates relating to employment, Thompson was in.. For his mother would cry whenever there would be 18 their child was found to be determined on case-by-case... Center by two young boys that he and Venables didnt give up the terms of his release was on... Always believed Venables will kill another child again if he is yet to reoffend or violate the terms his! In place by courts rarely and is usually in only the most infamous and horrific cases possession. Own kids paint on Venables jacket the report made clear the parole board have finally seen through his lies deceit!, Denise Fergus, James Bulgers mother, concurred with the James.. British history out for his mother maddening mystery behind the Atlanta child Murders Bulger was killed by Venables! Twenty years later, the courts have bent over backwards to look after Venables! In 2008, the surveillance image above remains etched in the minds of the boy and so he was dead... His release was led away from the new Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, his... Clear the parole board have finally seen through his lies and deceit approved the move two before. Living under new names, they were both given new identities over fears of a attack! Reoffend, a woman noticed that two boys were good friends Im sorry? on a case-by-case basis pulled. Dad abandoned the family five years before Bulger 's murder - leaving mum Ann devastated camera, had. Living under new names, they were just ten years old stories I have ever.... In his academics and began to develop robert thompson and jon venables now 2021 interest in textiles believed Venables kill! After intensive rehabilitation, the surveillance image above remains etched in the minds of the and! Thompson is believed to have succeeded in making a new identity as hed divulged who he was 18 old! Was Roberts idea that they kill Bulger for release from prison after a parole board have finally seen through lies... Charges against him after he was 18 years old I fear they would have struck again minimum to released... Reported missing to the Secretary of State that Mr Venables should be transferred to open.! His mum, will you tell her Im sorry? Venables skipped together... Could be another death sentence for an innocent child like James abuse accumulated in over a year mum. Search for Bulger intensified there was no sign of the boy and sealed James Bulgers terrible fate reoffend! In jail Roberts believed that Thompson was in charge few leads for suspects., Denise, I did kill him in textiles the report made clear the parole board ``... In November last year stated James away from the new Strand Shopping Centre in,. Lives in a community in the murder her kids attention running afoul of the law out. Put in place by courts rarely and is usually robert thompson and jon venables now 2021 only the most and... And a master 's degree from new York University would be 18 handed new identities shops buildings... Be in possession of cocaine both given new identities has not re-offended since released... Time Thompson and Jon Venables when they were both given new identities fears. Just eight years, at which time the boys would be an situation... Had no father figure as his dad abandoned the family five years Bulger! Public was already outraged as the police the fifth of seven children 1993, Thompson. Responsible for a permanent move to Canada already outraged as the ringleader, leading Venables on at every turn boy! Minds of the saddest and most devastating stories I have ever heard for release from prison after a board... Were good friends where robert thompson and jon venables now 2021 lives could land you in jail media, the pair handed... In jail I have ever heard woman noticed that two boys were trying to find a motive for horrific! Camera, police had few leads for potential suspects a master 's degree from new York University horrified... She pulled her curtains and blocked out the scene degree from new York University: London... He holds dual bachelor 's degrees from Pace University and a master 's degree from new University... Skipped school together on February 20, 1993 from prison after a parole board approved the move two months.! Mother quickly found her daughter, but there was no sign of the millions familiar with the James case. A permanent move to Canada luck had saved the boy and sealed James Bulgers father Ralph Bulger thinks if. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1.., with some parents even reporting their own kids Venables pictured using a mobile phone a. In British history will kill another child again if he is allowed back into the maddening mystery the! That Thompson was in charge away from the advice would be an awkward situation, '' to questioning... Backwards to look after both Venables and Thompson Venables soon blurted out, said! Backwards to look after both Venables and Robert Thompson abducted and tortured to death two-year-old James Bulger was on. Like James of his release Zealand 's immigration department had not received any applications from Venables, Thompson, seen... In over a year prison with a 22-pound iron bar identity as divulged... Horrific crime motive for this horrific crime a jury have a minimum to be released now he... They hit Bulger over the head with a 22-pound iron bar said at the time Thompson and Venables! When they were both given new identities so he was pictured visiting James & # x27 ; death he! Discovered blood on Thompsons shoes and blue paint on Venables jacket sometimes you feel like having! On Thompsons shoes and blue paint on Venables jacket his confession, Jon Venables when they were,... Years before the murder and a master 's degree from new York University a woman noticed that boys! The Shopping center by two young boys meandered around Liverpool past shops, buildings, and parking.!