Overview
- James Bulger’s parents have been granted permission to attend and deliver impact statements at the December hearing.
- An unnamed source quoted in tabloid reports says Venables told officials he will refuse to appear if the parents are present.
- Ralph Bulger says he will submit his statement by video link or in writing and urges officials to keep Venables in custody.
- Denise Fergus has said she wants to confront him at the hearing and describes the process as mental torture.
- Previous parole bids were rejected in 2020 and in December 2023, when officials cited public‑risk concerns and lack of honesty with probation, after recalls in 2010 and 2017 for child‑abuse image offences.