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Parole Board Keeps Jon Venables Hearing Private Despite Public Bid
Parole chiefs said a public hearing would make it difficult for Venables to give evidence because others could be listening for information.
- On Monday, the Parole Board rejected public bids to open Jon Venables' upcoming parole hearing, ruling the proceedings will remain private after determining the high bar for transparency was not met.
- Venables was 10-years-old when he and Robert Thompson murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993; he has been recalled to prison twice since his 2001 release, and an injunction protects his identity.
- Victim Denise Fergus and media organizations sought an open hearing to combat "misinformation" and "increase understanding" of the Parole Board's decision-making process.
- John Saunders, speaking for the Parole Board, argued public proceedings would be ineffective, stating it would be "very difficult for Jon Venables to give evidence" if he feared exposure.
- Victims have received approval for observation through audio recordings after the hearing, ensuring compliance with the injunction protecting Venables from "serious physical attack or death" while allowing participation.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right4Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Left, 36% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources lean Right
37% Left
L 37%
C 27%
R 36%
Factuality
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