In February 1993, a pair of schoolboys committed one of the worst and most unforgivable acts ever when they murdered a two year old boy. Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, who were ten years old at the time, abducted James and took him to a railway line where they tortured and murdered him. Mum of James, Denise Fergus will have to spend the rest of her life coming to terms with what happened, if that is possible, and has expressed her fury as Robert Thompson has been allowed to go on a lad’s holiday to Europe.
Thompson and Venables, now aged 28 and with new identities, were freed from jail after serving just eight years, although subject to a life licence. Thompson was allowed to travel unsupervised to Europe on a lads’ holiday, while Venables has recently been permitted to travel to Norway. Venables is now back in prison for two years after pleading guilty to offences relating to child porn.
Denise Fergus was not informed of this holiday, although she was told that she would be told of any changes to the terms of their licence. She said:
Criminals get all the attention and support and the victims are largely ignored.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said:
Any trip could only be undertaken after extremely careful consideration and a thorough risk assessment. The dates had to be set, suitability of the country assessed and relevant officials informed.
This horrific crime shocked the nation, and many will be left wondering whether Venables and Thompson should ever be allowed to travel freely. The family of James Bulger are the ones who are paying the price.
