James Bulger's Mother 'Heartbroken Again' After Son's Grave Vandalised
Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has expressed that her heart broke once again after discovering her son's grave had been vandalised. The devastated campaigner revealed the incident in a social media post, stating that a woman walking her dog near the cemetery noticed the damage to the headstone and its surround.
Appeal Issued for Information on Vandals
Denise Fergus has now issued a public appeal for any information regarding the vandals responsible. She believes the vandalism occurred on February 26 between 10am and 3.30pm. In her emotional post, she described finding the cherubs on each side of the headstone smashed to pieces, with the heads of two stone angels left broken on the ground.
"I need to find whoever has done this to my son's resting place," Denise wrote. "I try to help as many families as I can with either justice campaigns or helping families through the charity I set up in his memory and some horrid person has done this... to a baby's grave! Really??"
She urged anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Denise also requested that people share her post to help ensure those involved are caught and prosecuted.
Background on James Bulger's Murder
James Bulger was just two years old when he was attacked and murdered by then-10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993. The case shocked the nation and has remained a poignant symbol of tragic loss.
Earlier this year, Denise Fergus spoke out against Jon Venables being granted another parole hearing. Venables, now aged 43, was released on licence in July 2001 but was recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was freed again in August 2013 and recalled once more in November 2017 for the same offence, serving a sentence of three years and four months.
Denise has been granted access to attend one of Venables' parole hearings for the first time, where she will hear his voice via video link from a separate chamber. Parole chiefs are expected to hear mitigation from Venables about why he believes he has been rehabilitated.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Denise said: "It is distressing and frankly makes me angry that I've now been told that James' killer will be afforded a parole hearing and a chance of release. Surely this person has proved he can not be given yet another chance yet he's been given one."
She added: "The parole board must remember, he's not a 10-year-old anymore. He's bigger, he's stronger, he's got more wits about him. He's been educated to lie to his back teeth."
Denise expressed concerns about Venables' potential release, worrying that he would have a target on his back and might not cope in the real world.
How to Help
If you have any information about the vandalism at James Bulger's grave, please contact:
- Merseyside Police on 101
- Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Denise Fergus continues to campaign for justice through the charity she established in her son's memory, supporting other families in similar situations.
