Delay in decision on whether to release James Bulger killer Jon Venables from prison

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A decision by the Parole Board on whether to release one of the killers of toddler James Bulger from jail has been delayed by two weeks, it was revealed tonight.

Child killer Jon Venables was granted a parole hearing in September, the Parole Board confirmed, with the hearing taking place earlier this month A decision was expected this week on whether Venables is safe to be freed, but a representative for Denise Fergus, the mother of James, said on Tuesday that there will be a wait before the decision is made. READ MORE: Teenage girl accused of Brianna Ghey murder had 'notes' about serial killers including Harold Shipman in her bedroom, jury told READ MORE: Amber health alert issued for north west England as temperatures set to plunge The Parole Board confirmed only that the case had been adjourned, but would not give further details.

Kym Morris, chair of the James Bulger Memorial Trust, said: "We have been made aware that the parole decision, initially expected this week, will now be made in another two weeks. "While this news is undoubtedly frustrating for Denise and her family, we understand and appreciate the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in such matters.

Denise and her family are grappling with heightened emotions and uncertainty. "It is our sincere hope that, despite the delay, the Parole Board will carefully consider all relevant factors and make the decision that ensures the safety of the public, well-being of Denise and her loved ones, by not granting Jon Venables parole." Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson in November 1993 at the age of 10 for the harrowing murder of two-year-old James after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside.