More than 30 years after the brutal murder of two-year-old James Bulger, the boy’s father, Ralph Bulger, has once again issued an emotional plea to authorities — urging them not to release Jon Venables, one of his son’s killers, warning that “he’ll do it again.”

Ralph’s latest statement comes as Venables, now in his 40s, prepares for another parole review that could decide whether he will be granted freedom after spending years back behind bars for offences involving child abuse images. For Ralph, the thought of Venables walking free is unbearable.

“He’s done evil before, and he’ll do evil again,” Ralph said in a tearful appeal. “He’ll hurt someone else’s child just like he hurt mine. That’s what monsters do.”

A Crime That Shook Britain

The killing of James Bulger remains one of the most horrifying and unforgettable crimes in modern British history. In February 1993, the toddler was abducted from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, by two 10-year-old boys — Jon Venables and Robert Thompson.

Over the next few hours, the pair led James to a nearby railway line, where they tortured and killed him. The crime shocked the world, not only for its brutality but also because of the age of the killers.

Both boys were convicted of murder and detained until 2001, when they were released on lifelong licences and given new identities.

A Pattern of Trouble

While Robert Thompson has never reoffended or been seen publicly since his release, Jon Venables’ story has been tragically different.

Venables was recalled to prison twice — first in 2010 and again in 2017 — after being caught with child abuse images and attempting to download material showing violent acts against children.

In his last sentencing, the judge said Venables remained a “danger to the public,” citing a disturbing pattern of behaviour and poor rehabilitation progress.

Despite this, Venables has continued to seek parole, prompting Ralph Bulger to step forward once again, determined to stop what he calls a “potentially deadly mistake.”

Ralph’s Fight for Justice

For Ralph, this battle has never ended. “Every time they talk about releasing him, it’s like reliving James’s murder all over again,” he said. “We’ve already suffered enough. The world doesn’t need another victim.”

Ralph and James’s mother, Denise Fergus, have fought for years to be included in parole hearings. They argue that victims’ families should have the right to speak directly to the Parole Board about the lifelong trauma and public safety risks caused by offenders like Venables.

Their campaign has gained widespread public support, with thousands signing petitions demanding that Venables remain in custody indefinitely.

“This isn’t about revenge,” Ralph added. “It’s about protecting children. If they let him out, they’re gambling with another innocent life.”

What Happens Next

The Parole Board is expected to review Venables’ case again soon. His legal team argues that he has undergone treatment and should be given another chance at a normal life under strict supervision.

However, insiders say officials remain deeply concerned about his psychological state, describing him as someone who continues to show “disturbing tendencies and poor emotional control.”

Under his life licence, even if released, Venables could be recalled to prison at any time if he breaches conditions or poses a risk. But for Ralph Bulger, that’s not enough reassurance.

“It only takes one mistake,” he said. “One child. One family destroyed. I won’t let that happen again.”

A Nation Still Haunted

Three decades later, the name James Bulger still evokes sorrow, outrage, and disbelief. The small boy’s murder changed the way Britain thought about youth crime, justice, and forgiveness.

For his father, forgiveness is impossible. The pain, he says, never fades — and the fear that Venables could strike again haunts him daily.

“Every time I see a child in the street, I think of James,” Ralph said quietly. “He’d be a grown man now. But because of Venables, we’ll never know who he could’ve been.”