05/07/2013

Jon Venables Granted Parole

Jon Venables has been granted parole following a second prison term on child pornography charges.

Venables was one of two responsible for the killing of toddler James Bulger 20 years ago.

A parole board spokesman confirmed that Venables will be released, but no date has yet been announced.

Venables was 10-years-old when he and Robert Thompson, who was also 10, abducted and murdered three-year-old James Bulger in 1993.

Released on license in 2001, the two men where given new identities.

However, in 2010, Venables parole was revoked and he was jailed for downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

It is understood that a parole board in 2011 ruled that it was "not safe" for Venables to be released, according to the Guardian.

The news that he is to be paroled now has caused confusion and upset amongst the family of James Bulger.

No word has been given as to why the parole board has now ruled Venables fit for release.

(MH/CD)

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