Overview
- Parole officials confirmed a member directed an oral hearing after reviewing a dossier, with the date yet to be set.
- Reports say James Bulger’s family was notified this week and the hearing is expected within about a month, though no schedule is confirmed.
- Denise Fergus has permission to observe via video link and to submit a victim impact statement, hearing Venables’ voice but not seeing his face due to identity protections.
- The panel will assess professional risk reports and submissions from prison staff, counsellors, psychiatrists and probation, alongside victim statements.
- A 2023 Parole Board panel found Venables was still a danger to children; he was recalled in 2010 and 2017 and was convicted in 2018 for possessing child‑abuse material.