Denise Fergus, the mother of the murdered toddler James Bulger, has expressed her fears that Jon Venables, one of his killers, may harm another child if released from prison.
Denise, who has been advocating for justice for her son for the past three decades, is set to appear in a documentary titled “James Bulger: The Trial,” scheduled to air on Channel 5.
This documentary delves into the trial of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, featuring insights from defense attorneys, jurors, the judge, and court personnel who were involved in the 1993 trial.
It also includes reenactments of trial scenes, with child actors portraying Venables and Thompson, along with real transcript readings from Preston Sessions Court.
Denise, who did not attend the trial herself due to being pregnant with her second child at the time, will be seen reading her statement to the court for the first time since 1993.
She explains that she was advised not to attend the trial to protect her health and that of her unborn child.
In the documentary, Denise expresses the emotional difficulty of revisiting the past, stating, “I don’t want to go back there; I know for a fact it’s played back in my mind.
I read that, and I’m back to day one.”
Venables and Thompson were just 10 years old when they abducted, tortured, and killed two-year-old James Bulger, leaving his mutilated body near a railway line in Liverpool 30 years ago.
Despite being found guilty of murder, they were sentenced to only eight years in prison due to their age at the time of the crime.
After their release in 2001 with new identities, Venables was recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, for possessing indecent images of children.
He now faces the possibility of another hearing despite concerns about changes in the law.
Denise Fergus and James’s father, Ralph Bulger, have reportedly submitted statements in an effort to prevent Venables from being released, with the support of Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
Denise reflects on her quest for justice, expressing her belief that Venables may commit another murder, stating, “James’ life was worth so much more than less than eight years.”
The documentary also explores the legal aspects of the case, including the killers’ “cut throat” defense strategy, where they blamed each other for the crime, and the argument for “doli incapax,” claiming that children cannot form criminal intent.
Despite these arguments, both boys were tried as adults, as the age of criminal responsibility in the UK is ten.
“James Bulger: The Trial” features contributions from the prosecution and defense teams, journalists who covered the trial, and court artists who vividly remember the young age of the defendants.
The documentary sheds light on the shocking and tragic case that captivated the nation and raises questions about the criminal responsibility of children.
The Trial of James Bulger is set to air on Wednesday, September 6th, at 9 pm on Channel 5.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
