“I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James”
“I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James”
21:13, 26 Feb 2026Updated 21:13, 26 Feb 2026
The heartbroken mum of James Bulger has appealed for information after her son’s grave was damaged. James was just two years old when he was attacked and murdered by then-10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993.
In a heartbreaking statement from James’ mum, Denise Fergus, released on social media, she shared the news of her son’s grave being damaged in what she believes to be vandalism. She said: “Today I felt my heart break once again.
“We got a message from a lady walking her dog at the cemetery where James’s resting place is. She sadly told us his headstone and surround had been vandalised.
“We rushed down there to find the cherubs each side of his headstone had been smashed to pieces. I need to find whoever [has] done this to my son’s resting place.
“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 b*****d has done this… to a baby’s grave! Really??
“If anyone has any information please send it via the charity page or contact Merseyside Police and let them know if you have seen or heard something.
“We think this happened between 10am and 3.30pm today. Could you please share this post to make sure the person or persons involved are caught and prosecuted?
“I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James.”
In photos shared of the grave, the heads of two stone angels, which sit in front of the gravestone, have been damaged, leaving the statues headless. The heads were left broken on the floor.
Earlier this year, Denise hit out at murderer Venables being granted another parole hearing.
Venables was released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.
He was once again freed in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence and was jailed for three years and four months.
Denise was granted access to attend one of Venables’ hearings for the very first time. She will then be taken to a secret prison or court facility to participate in the parole hearing, where Venables’ identity – now aged 43 – will remain protected, though she will hear his voice via video link from a separate chamber.
Parole chiefs are likely to hear mitigation from Venables about why he believes he has been rehabilitated – the first time the grieving mum has heard her son’s killer’s voice for 30 years, reports the Mirror.
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.
“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. My worry is that if he’s released, he’ll lose that protection, he’ll be looking over his shoulder the whole time, he’ll have a target on his back. He’s not going to like it in the real world. What is he going to do to get back inside?”
If you have any information about the vandalism contact Merseyside Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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