James Bulger's killer Jon Venables uses sex and porn as means of coping, say experts: 'His release isn't safe'
Jon Venables, the killer of two-year-old James Bulger, is reportedly using "sex and pornography as a means of coping" and "thinks about sex a lot," parole experts have said. They added that despite "positive" behavior and working a job in prison, he is still not safe to be released, reports state. An official Parole Board summary, obtained by The Sun, revealed details of the killer's top-secret life in prison. The summary comes just a month after it emerged that the Board had refused to recommend him for release or a move to an open prison. Venables, now 38, was recalled to prison in 2017 after he was found with a stack of child abuse images. He was subsequently sentenced to another 40 months in prison. However, he has remained in custody ever since, according to reports.
The 1993 murder of two-year-old Bulger sent shockwaves across the UK after it was revealed that the murderers were merely 10 years old. The toddler's parents have since repeatedly requested that the new identities of the killers — Robert Thompson and John Venables — be revealed as they do not deserve a life of anonymity.
The recently-released report, however, does not give any details of where Venables is currently kept or what his new identity is as both the details are subject to a gag order. However, the summary does reveal the risks officials face as they weigh whether to release him or not. "The panel listed as risk factors those influences that made it more likely that Mr Venables would reoffend in the future," the report stated. "The risk factors identified at the time of his offending included his sexual interests and an attraction to sexual violence as well as other issues considered relevant but amenable to change."
“Risk factors identified in subsequent reviews include thinking about sex a lot, problems in maintaining relationships, concerns about self-awareness, and his ability to deal with stress. Mr Venables had also experienced difficulties relating to employment," it continued. "Features leading up to his offending as an adult included a sense of dissatisfaction and lack of fulfillment in life, a need for excitement, and a tendency to turn to sex or pornography as a means of coping.”
Officials, in the report, mentioned that Venables has made some progress in prison, noting he had participated in sex offender programs and is learning “better ways of thinking." They also noted "protective factors" that might reduce his chances of reoffending like his "level of intelligence, making constructive use of his time, a capacity and motivation for self-reflection, and a supportive social network in the community."
"Mr Venables was engaging positively in intensive interventions and these were likely to continue for several months, requiring a period of consolidation on completion," the officials added. However, they did not recommend his release or a move to an open jail. They added that a long list of "very strict limitations” were needed on his "contacts, movements and activities" before any freedom bid was granted to him in another two years' time.
"After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made whilst in custody and on license, as well as the other evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that Mr Venables was suitable for re-release," the panel concluded. "Nor did the panel recommend to the Secretary of State that Mr Venables should be transferred to open prison. Given that key areas of risk remained subject to continuing interventions, the panel considered that Mr Venables was appropriately located in custody where outstanding levels of risk could be addressed. As required by law, he will be eligible for another parole review in due course."
The summary comes months after it was reported that Venables was set to start his new life abroad in Canada in just a few days as that will be cheaper for British taxpayers than to give him a new start in the UK. News of Venables' prospective move came days after officials reportedly made the plan to move Venables abroad after growing tired of constantly creating identities for him.