A DECISION to deny parole to one of James Bulger’s killers was welcomed by the family of the murdered toddler.

Jon Venables, one of two boys who abducted the two-year-old from a shopping centre in Bootle, in February, 1993, was jailed for two years last July after pleading guilty to downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

The decision of the parole board, who considered the case for Venables’s release, was communicated to James’s parents, Denise Fergus and Ralph Bulger, yesterday.

Mother-of-three Mrs Fergus, 42, said: “Venables is a very dangerous individual and it’s a huge relief to hear that he will not be getting out any time soon.

“He has proved in the past that he is not reformed and that he cannot be trusted.

“He has shown no remorse and he was not fit to be released when they let him out the first time at the age of 18.

“He’s a very cunning individual and God knows how many other crimes he might commit, and how many other people might suffer, if they did let him out.

“It's too big a risk and thankfully they have seen though his lies and realised that the only safe place for him is behind bars.

“This time, the parole board have made the right decision and I would like to thank them for that.”

Venables’s case for parole will not be considered again for at least another year.

Ms Fergus called for Venables, now 28, to be subjected to extensive psychiatric tests.

She added: “I believe he has been putting on an act and deceiving the system ever since he was arrested.

“To my mind, he shows all the signs of having a personality disorder – a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others.

“It’s time the authorities looked into his entire record to find out whether he does have a personality disorder.

“Unless he gets treatment, he is a danger to society and he should not be allowed out until the doctors are satisfied that he fully safe to be released.”