Agony for James Bulger's mother as family are forced to wait to find out whether toddler's killer Jon Venables will be freed from prison for Christmas

James Bulger's family today called on justice chiefs to prevent the release of killer Jon Venables from prison this Christmas.

Two-year-old James was tortured and killed by Venables and his accomplice Robert Thompson, both aged 10, after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside in 1993.

Venables, now 41, was granted a private hearing after the Parole Board ruled that a public one would cause 'disproportionate emotional stress' to the killer, but he still didn't show up.

Parole Board chiefs have now decided to delay a decision on Venables' parole bid to mid-December - sparking fears the depraved murderer could be quietly released just before Christmas.

A representative for James's mother, Denise Fergus, called on the Parole Board to deny Venables parole.

In a statement to MailOnline, they said: 'Denise and her family are grappling with heightened emotions and uncertainty. It is our sincere hope that, despite the delay, the Parole Board will carefully consider all relevant factors and make the decision that ensures the safety of the public, well-being of Denise and her loved ones - by not granting Jon Venables parole.'

They added: 'We have been made aware that the parole decision, initially expected this week, will now be made in another two weeks. 

'While this news is undoubtedly frustrating for Denise and her family, we understand and appreciate the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in such matters.' 

A source told the Sun: 'James' family are terrified of what this means. It is really irregular to take so long and they are worried Venables could be sneaked out when it is quiet before Christmas and parliament is not sitting.

'Normally his release would spark questions in the Commons but that wouldn't happen if he comes out just before Christmas.'

It comes after David Blunkett called for Venables' parole appeal to be thrown out. The former Labour Home Secretary made clear Venables should stay behind bars after reports that he failed to appear at his own behind-closed-doors parole case earlier this month.

Lord Blunkett said: 'Where there has been a serious doubt about successful rehabilitation, it is a prerequisite of consideration for release that the individual appears in person.'

Tory ex-Justice Secretaries Sir Robert Buckland, Brandon Lewis and Chris Grayling also made clear that Venables – who like Thompson was aged ten at the time of the murder – should stay in custody.

Denise Fergus, James's mother, previously said she endured 'three decades of hell' after Venables killed her son and urged the board to 'keep people safe from this monster' by denying his parole.

She told The Mirror: 'If he goes on to commit more crimes after you release him, it will be on your shoulders. So, I'm just asking you to do the right thing.'

The heartbroken mother argued that Venables 'seems to have the upper hand' because of the protections he has been afforded, such as a private hearing and new identity if his release is granted.

'Sometimes it feels like we are the criminals, not him, which is ridiculous,' she added.

 Ms Fergus said earlier this month that she was 'anxious' ahead of the hearing because 'fate is in the hands of parole board bosses'.

She wants the parole board to 'keep my son's killer behind bars', alleging that doing so is the 'right decision' for everyone.

She further argued that Venables has already been given 'many chances' at redemption and has 'blown them all'. She believes he 'doesn't care about anybody' and fears he will harm more people if he is released.

Ms Fergus reiterated that although she is 'worried' about the hearing, she has 'confidence' in the parole board and hopes the 'bosses will see what this man is capable of, what he could inflict on society'.

Venables and Thompson kidnapped, tortured and killed James before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line in Liverpool in February 1993. Both were jailed for the toddler's murder in November that year.

Venables was released on strict licence in July 2001, and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.

He was again released in August 2013, and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence. His most recent parole review was in September 2020 at which his application for parole was rejected.

If he is released, Venables will be protected by a life-long anonymity order and will live under a new identity.