Jon Venables, the killer of JAMES Bulger, has been released on parole – in a race to be released from prison before a new law stops him.
Minister of justice Dominic Raab‘s Victims Bill would prevent dangerous repeat offenders from ever being released.
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The minister hopes to have cleared the House of Representatives by Easter.
But Venables will likely appear before probation officers next month.
The oral hearing will take into account the advice of the prison chiefs, the victim’s impact statements James’ parents and a recommendation from Mr. Raab – who is expected to say he is still a danger.
His bill would give ministers the power to block the release of convicts.
It would also be a legal duty for the Parole Board to take a more “precautionary” approach and also put more ex-police officers on panels.
And a “two strikes and you’re in” plan would be put in place so that those who commit a serious crime while on parole are never released.
Venables and Robert Thompsonboth 40, were ten when they kidnapped, tortured and killed two-year-old James on Merseyside in 1993.
They were convicted of murder and imprisoned indefinitely, but were released in 2001 at age 18 with new identities.
Venables was sent back to prison in 2010 and 2017 about child sex images.
He was parole denied in 2020.
A source said: “An oral hearing would mean Venables is one decision away from his release.
“James’s family is shocked at the prospect.”
A source close to Mr Raab said the Justice Minister would look at the matter “very closely”.
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