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Jon Venables' Parole Hearing to Be Held in Private Despite Mum's Plea
Parole chiefs said a public hearing would make it difficult for Venables to give evidence because others could be listening for information.
- On Monday, the Parole Board rejected public bids to open the upcoming parole hearing for Jon Venables, ruling the proceedings will remain private despite requests from the victim's mother and media organizations.
- Venables was 10-years-old when he and Robert Thompson murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993; he has been recalled to prison twice since his 2001 release, with an injunction protecting his identity from public disclosure.
- Denise Fergus, the victim's mother, and media organizations had requested a public hearing to combat "misinformation" and "increase understanding" of the Parole Board's decision-making processes.
- John Saunders, speaking for the Parole Board, argued public proceedings would be ineffective due to identity restrictions, stating it would be "very difficult for Jon Venables to give evidence" while fearing exposure.
- Victims have received approval to observe the hearing through audio recordings after proceedings conclude, ensuring compliance with the injunction protecting Venables from "serious physical attack or death" while allowing participation.
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Jon Venables wins private parole hearing bid despite James Bulger's mum's plea
Sir John Saunders on behalf of the Chair of the Parole Board today denied an application for Jon Venables' upcoming parole hearing to be made public despite Denise Fergus' plea to face him in a public hearing
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Left, 36% Center
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
37% Left
L 37%
C 36%
R 27%
Factuality
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