The Parole Board has denied Jon Venables’ latest bid for release — a decision that has been hailed as the strongest, most powerful step toward justice yet, not only for her murdered son James Bulger, but for every parent who has ever refused to stop fighting for their child.

Thirty long years of pain. Thirty long years of courage. Thirty long years of waking up every single day knowing one of her baby’s killers was still out there, free, living a protected life.

Today’s ruling changes that — at least for now. The Board determined that Venables continues to pose a significant risk to the public, citing repeated breaches of his licence conditions, ongoing psychological concerns, and a high likelihood of reoffending in a sexual manner involving children. He remains in custody, with no release date in sight.

Denise Fergus spoke outside her home in Liverpool, tears in her eyes, voice steady but raw: “I never thought I’d see this day. Thirty years of fighting, of never letting James be forgotten, of refusing to let the system forget what happened to my little boy… and now one of his killers is being kept where he belongs. This is justice for James — my baby — at last. And it’s justice for every family who never got answers, who never got peace.”

The announcement has unleashed an enormous wave of emotion across the country. #JusticeForJames trended worldwide within minutes, with thousands sharing childhood memories of the case that changed British law forever — automatic life sentences for child killers, reforms to juvenile trials, stronger victim rights, and the creation of the James Bulger Memorial Trust by Denise herself.

Denise has spent the last three decades keeping James’s memory alive through charity work, public speaking, annual memorials, and relentless campaigning. She has never sought revenge — only justice, accountability, and protection for other children. Her strength turned unimaginable grief into a force that shaped legislation and inspired generations of parents fighting similar battles.

Robert Thompson has lived a low-profile life since his release in 2001 and has not sought further attention. Jon Venables, however, has been recalled to prison multiple times for possessing indecent images of children and other licence breaches — each time forcing Denise and the Bulger family to relive the nightmare in public, to relive the pain of seeing their son’s killer given yet another chance.

Today’s decision is not the final chapter — Venables will be eligible for future parole reviews — but for Denise, it is the most significant victory she has won in 30 years. “I’ll keep fighting until my last breath,” she has said many times. “For James. For every child who deserves to be safe.”

Britain stands with Denise tonight — a mother who turned the worst pain imaginable into unrelenting strength, and who has finally heard the words she waited three decades to hear: her baby’s killer will not walk free today.

Rest in peace, little James. Your mum never gave up on you — and neither will we.

Sending all love, strength, and respect to Denise Fergus and the entire Bulger family. ❤️🙏

Who else is moved to tears by Denise’s courage and this long-overdue justice? Drop a ❤️ if James is in your thoughts today.