Michael Bulger, Now 34, Launches Crowdfunded Private Prosecution Against Venables for Alleged Indecent Image Offences – “He Will Never Be Safe on the Outside”

LIVERPOOL – November 20, 2025 – Michael Bulger, the younger brother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has declared “no mercy this time” as he unveils a dramatic new plan to drag Jon Venables, one of Britain’s most notorious child killers, back behind bars for good. The 34-year-old has launched a crowdfunded private prosecution accusing Venables, now 43, of possessing and distributing Category A indecent images of children – the same offence that saw him recalled to prison in 2017 and again in 2023. Within 48 hours, the campaign has raised £185,000 from more than 12,000 donors, with Michael vowing: “He will never be safe on the outside while I’m alive.”

James Bulger was just two years old when Venables and Robert Thompson abducted, tortured, and murdered him in Bootle, Merseyside, on February 12, 1993. Both killers were ten. Released on licence with new identities in 2001 at age 18, Venables has been recalled twice – in 2010 and 2017 – after being caught with thousands of child abuse images. His latest parole hearing, scheduled for November 2025, was expected to consider release with even stricter conditions. Michael’s intervention has thrown that process into chaos.

Speaking outside Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, flanked by solicitor Sean Sexton, Michael said: “The system has failed James for 32 years. Venables has been given chance after chance while my family gets a life sentence of pain. Enough. We’re taking the law into our own hands – legally – because the state won’t.” The private prosecution, filed under the rarely used common-law right, accuses Venables of three new counts of making and distributing Category A images allegedly discovered on a seized laptop in 2024 but never prosecuted due to “public interest” concerns.

The crowdfunding page, titled “Justice for James – No More Chances,” has gone viral, with donations flooding in from the UK, Australia, and the US. High-profile backers include Piers Morgan, who pledged £10,000 and called Venables “pure evil that cannot be rehabilitated,” and Denise Fergus – James and Michael’s mother – who wrote: “My boys were never given a second chance. Why should he?”

Legal experts say the move is unprecedented but viable. “A private prosecution can force the CPS to take over or allow it to proceed,” says barrister Matthew Scott. “If evidence is strong, Venables could face court within months.” Venables’ legal team has branded the campaign “vigilantism dressed as justice,” claiming it jeopardises his anonymity and safety.

Public fury is palpable. Vigils have been held in Bootle and Liverpool city centre, with thousands signing petitions demanding Venables serve his original life sentence. A new documentary, James Bulger: A Mother’s Story – The Fight Continues, aired on Channel 5 last week, reigniting national outrage. Michael, who was just five when James died, has become the face of the campaign, telling ITV: “Every time Venables is caught with these images, he re-traumatises us. This ends now.”

As of Thursday, the Parole Board confirmed it has paused Venables’ hearing pending investigation. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on “individual cases,” but sources say officials are “deeply concerned” by the private prosecution’s momentum.

For Michael Bulger, this is more than legal action. It’s the promise he made at his brother’s graveside three decades ago. “No mercy this time,” he repeated, voice breaking. “James didn’t get any.”

The nation watches. And for the first time in 32 years, the Bulger family is fighting back – with the people behind them.