10 Questions
What was the age of the boys, Thompson and Venables, when they murdered James Bulger?
Ten years old
Why are recent images or information about the current lives or custody of the boys not publicly available?
Court orders prevent the release of more recent images or information.
What did the boys initially lie about in connection to James Bulger's case?
Their involvement
What did the boys attempt to do to James Bulger before he was found?
They attempted to drown him
What did the judge order about the boys' future during the trial?
No details of their future to be revealed
What was Robert Thompson's truant behavior?
He used to sneak out of school, shoplift biscuits and sweets, and roam around until late at night.
What disturbing behaviors did John display at school?
Revolving along walls, pulling down work, curling under desks, cutting himself, and trying to choke another boy.
Why was Jon Venables sent to a secure unit for young offenders instead of prison?
Due to his age.
What is the purpose of the regular trips out of the secure unit for Robert Thompson?
To prepare young people for life in the community and promote independent skills.
What are some criticisms of the treatment of Thompson and Venables in the secure units?
Some people in Liverpool believe the killers have been pampered instead of punished and criticize the cost of maintaining them in secure units.
Study Notes
- Two ten-year-old boys, Thompson and Venables, murdered James Bulger in 1993.
- Anger towards the boys remains high, with many wanting to keep them in prison for life.
- The boys are now eligible for parole, prompting campaigning to keep them incarcerated.
- Pictures of the boys taken at the time of their arrest are the last publicly available images of them.
- Court orders prevent the release of more recent images or information about their current lives or custody.
- The boys' treatment in custody and their current dangerousness are subject of debate.
- The public was shocked by the crime committed by young children, leading to widespread outrage.
- James Bulger's body was found after being led away by the two boys, who were later arrested.
- The boys had admitted to taking James but initially lied about their involvement.
- The boys' interviews during the investigation provided key evidence in the case.
- They led James to the canal and attempted to drown him, and had tried to take another child earlier that day.
- The boys were taken into police custody and questioned extensively.
- The judge in the trial identified the boys in court photographs, but ordered no details of their future to be revealed.
- Thompson and Venables have made progress in custody, but the details of their treatment and current status are kept secret.- Mary's Church of England Primary School in Liverpool: the scene where Jon Venables and Robert Thompson attended eight months before they committed a notorious murder.
- Roberts truant behavior: he used to sneak out of school, shoplift biscuits and sweets, and roam around until late at night. His mother, Mary, was aware of his misbehavior but did not inform the police out of fear of social services intervention.
- Robert's family background: Robert's father had left the home about four years earlier, causing great trauma, and his mother was drinking heavily. The family was fragile, damaged, and vulnerable, with Robert being the fifth of six children and experiencing bullying.
- Jon Venables: he joined Mary's Church of England Primary School that year, having been moved from Broad Square Jr.
- Mary and Robert's relationship: Mary considered Robert a normal little boy who got up to mischievous things and was one of his few friends. She helped him get to school but was unable to keep him in check, and he often sneaked out of school without her knowing.- John, a disturbed child, displayed disturbing behaviors such as revolving along walls, pulling down work, curling under desks, cutting himself, and trying to choke another boy.
- His family background was unstable with divorced parents and siblings with learning difficulties attending special schools.
- He was sent to a secure unit for young offenders instead of prison due to his age.
- The secure unit is designed for welfare, not punishment, with emphasis on rehabilitation.
- Young people in the unit come from backgrounds with poor health, no educational records, and lack basic skills like brushing teeth.
- They have lived on the margins of society with irregular days and no structure.
- The first four to five days in the unit can be a shock for youngsters.
- Leon McEwen, a 13-year-old sentenced for arson, knew Robert Thompson in the same secure unit.
- Thompson has had regular trips out of the unit, including shopping, swimming, and visiting garden centers, under supervision.
- The trips are part of a rehabilitation program to prepare young people for life in the community and promote independent skills.
- Thompson's freedom began little over a year into his sentence and has increased over time.
- Some people in Liverpool believe the killers have been pampered instead of punished and criticize the cost of maintaining them in secure units.
- The secure units are expensive, costing around £3,000 a week.
- The Home Office won't discuss the details of mobility as there are real security concerns and sensitivity about the subject.
- Robert Thompson has shown progress in his education, passing GCSEs and A-levels.
- He is described as a remarkably thoughtful young man.
- The parole board will decide if Thompson and Venables are still dangerous and whether they should be released.
- The killers could be released this summer and there is a campaign to prevent their release.
- Thompson and Venables have had regular sessions with psychiatrists for years.
- Both Thompson and Venables have expressed remorse for their actions.
- The psychiatrist's views will be considered in their parole hearing.
- The dangerousness of release will be assessed.
- There are concerns about their safety if released due to public anger and threats.
- The Internet makes it difficult to control circulated information.
- Other teenagers in custody have been mistaken for the killers and attacked.
- People have threatened to harm Thompson and Venables' families.
- There is a reward for anyone who tracks down the killers.
- Denise, James Bulger's mother, does not want them to be hunted down.
- The quality of the circulated photograph of Thompson is not clear.
- If Thompson and Venables are considered safe for release, they should be let out.
- Some people want to ask them why they committed the crime and what went wrong.
- Robust conversation about their release is encouraged.
Explore the infamous case of Thompson and Venables, who murdered James Bulger at a young age, and the subsequent debate around their parole, treatment in custody, and potential release. Learn about the details, controversies, and public sentiments surrounding this tragic event.
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