James Bulger’s killer Jon Venables granted parole hearing — in race to be freed from jail before new law stops him

JAMES Bulger’s killer Jon Venables has been granted a parole hearing — in a race to be freed from jail before a new law stops him.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab’s Victims Bill would prevent dangerous repeat offenders from ever being released.

The minister hopes it will clear Parliament by Easter.

But Venables is likely to appear before parole chiefs as early as next month.

The oral hearing will consider prison chiefs’ advice, victim impact statements from James’ parents and a recommendation from Mr Raab — who is expected to say he still poses a danger.

His Bill would give ministers the power to block convicts’ release.

It would also make it a statutory duty for the Parole Board to take a more “precautionary approach”, and would also place more ex-cops on panels.

And a “two strikes and you’re in” scheme would be implemented — so those who commit a serious offence while on parole are never released.

Venables and Robert Thompson, both 40, were ten when they ­kidnapped, tortured and murdered two-year-old James on Merseyside in 1993.

They were convicted of murder and jailed indefinitely — but freed aged 18 in 2001 with new identities.

Venables was sent back to jail in 2010 and 2017 over child sex images.

He was denied parole in 2020.

A source said: “An oral hearing would mean Venables is one decision away from being released.

"James’ family are horrified at the prospect.”

A source close to Mr Raab said the Justice Secretary would be “looking very closely” at the case.”