JAMES Bulger’s dad last night hailed the decision to keep killer Jon Venables in jail and said: “I can now breathe easier.”

Ralph Bulger told of his relief after the Parole Board ruled that the public and children would not be safe if Venables, now 41, was released.

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The panel also found the fiend had not been open and honest with probation chiefs.

Builder Ralph, 57, added: “I’m just grateful children are spared from being put at danger from Venables. I can breathe easier knowing he is staying behind bars. They have admitted he hasn’t told the truth which we have said for years. And it will be the same the next time he applies for parole.”

Venables was just ten when he and a pal murdered two-year-old James in Merseyside in 1993.

Venables was released from prison in 2001 but recalled twice for possessing indecent images of children.

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Venables can reapply for parole — but a new bill, expected to be passed in spring, will make it easier to prevent the release of repeat offenders.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk was opposed to Venables being paroled. And a source said: “Who will want him released on their watch?”

James’s mum Denise Fergus was said to be “celebrating” the decision.

The Sun can also reveal Venables “lost the plot” when told his bid had been thwarted. A source said: “He went mad, shouting and screaming.”

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