. His former wife would send their boys up the street to give their father the fingers through the bay windows of his mother's house. 'I walked round for a couple of hours trying to find them. On countless occasions, Bobby battered his wife, once causing her to miscarry, and his temper didnt stop at his wife. S. Susan venables. Such pleasantries were not for Robbie. He was jailed for two years before being granted parole again in July 2013.. Venables, who was said to have been subjected to regular beatings by his mother Susan, titled the drawing 'My Dads house'. He was repulsed because he found Robert's disdain for authority scary. Self pity? This would have put Jon in a particularly arduous position, as the couples only excelling child, and as author Gitta Sereny observed from her time spent with the Venables in 1994, forcing this middle child, Jon, for a long time, perhaps unconsciously, to compensate his mother for her two problem children, put an enormous weight of responsibility on this child virtually from the time he was born., As Susan struggled to manage her two disadvantaged children day to day, Neil was the familys breadwinner, working as a forklift driver. Murder of James Bulger. Jon Venables is demonstrably no such thing. Best of all, they would spend time on the Walton railway line where Robert had built a den close to the bridge. The boys at Dyson Hall were the object of some envy among their mates because they were given tracksuits and trainers upon arrival and went on trips to Alton Towers. He used to be bullied by other children for being so behind, and would return home at night visibly upset. ANN THOMPSON, the mother of Robert Thompson, child A, says her son is a thief, a liar, is devious and plays truant. Forlorn hope, though. Not their punishmentand exclusion from society for the rest of their childhood. He would steal objects that he neither needed nor wanted, then chuck them away in the street. His parents say he is 'broken-hearted'. Susan and neil venables. ', They sagged off in the afternoon and walked around the shops in County Road, near Walton. In all, they played truant four times. Their kids have got everything, she added, bitterly. his killers were just 10 years old and attention focused on their upbringing and dysfunctional home life. Her warnings arent being heeded, but 25 years on, I think she is probably right. Her husband came back to Walton now and again to see his mother, but he never came to see the boys. Liked by susan venables. The Crown Prosecution Service released a statement in January confirming Venables had been charged. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He disliked Thunderbirds because of the puppets' 'stringy thingies'. The two bumped into each other - literally - in the school playground in the middle of a fight. That was in September 1991, 17 months before they killed James Bulger. Susan Venables Facebook: susan.venables.9 Lives in Mellor, Blackburn With Darwen, . his mother was told that it was important that she stayed in his life and stood by him. He stayed away from school so often the local police called him a professional truant. With Neil seldom in contact with Susan or the children during this time, Susan was forced to contend with Jons escalating troubles alone, sometimes taking her own frustrations out on the children. Susan Venables has blamed "weakness" for her son's role in the killing of James Bulger, claiming that he "got involved with the wrong person". The shocking murder that shook the nation, Both Venables and Robert Thompson were 10 years-old when they tortured and killed 2 year-old James Bulger, Thompson and Venables were tried as adults, James Bulger, aged 2 years old, being led away in a shopping centre in Liverpool, Denise Fergus denied having anything to do with the Channel 4 documentary about her son, James Bulger's murder case could now be investigated, The petition is on nearly 15,000 signatures, James Bulger was just two when he was brutally murdered, He had been out shopping with his mum Denise, James was made to walk two miles before being left for dead on a disused rail line, Denise tirelessly campaigned to have their sentence increased, Denise once admitted she's lived 'in fear' since the trial. Unemployment levels were more than twice the national average in Walton. . This happened, more often than not, at night, when they refused to go to bed when told. To widespread dismay and condemnation from the Bulger family, the killers were given new identities, courtesy of the taxpayer. The pattern of bullying among the brothers, which had been noted by the Head mistress of the boys school, appeared to descend down the line, with the eldest Thompson brother beating the one just below him in age, and that brother beating the brother below him, in turn. March 10, 2021 - 20:29 GMT Eve Crosbie. I have cried for JamesBulgermany times, so God only knows the tears his parents and family have shed. . Verdict day came. But after a year they let Ian out again. In March 2010, Venables was recalled to prison for downloading and distributing more than 100 images of child abuse. Little Bobby went to visit his brothers every so often, eager to show them the latest playthings he had robbed from the assorted shops nearby. Susan, aged 36, a sharp woman . They occasionally exchanged furtive glances. But now and again. I wonder how many parents looked at their sons of a similar age that week, sure in the knowledge their own children could never be so wicked, but asked themselves anyway "what would I do if?". Channel 5 is set to air a new two-part documentary that tells the definitive story of . I dont think she saw a very happy future., The author says there was no contact with the Venables family after the trial as Mrs Thompson focused, her energy on supporting her son, refusing to accept he was a monster. He would call people names and get them to chase him. The right will draw attention to the broken homes, the single parents, the persistent truancy. Mrs Venables has also said that she felt. The teacher had a different perspective, saying that Susan was in fact aware of the issue, and had expressed deep concern. ", Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. At first, Robert seemed to respond well to this, taking the initiative to help feed and clothe the baby, and doing what he could to please his mother. And there were rewards for breaking rules. Robert always wanted to stay out late and encouraged Jon to join him. "He is easily led. Thompson did what he often did, looked around, grabbing clumsily at his tongue. The documentary on the James Bulger murder case sparked anger after viewers criticised the Channel 4 show for "sympathising" with the toddler's killers. It was to be an adult trial, both boys appearing every day in the full gaze of whoever was in that room, but neither giving evidence directly to the court. The four who drove Suzanne to Romiley - Jean Powell (now Jean Gillespie), Bernadette McNeilly, Glyn Powell, and Anthony Dudson - were all found guilty of murder. More often, he would pinch them from local shops. It's high time they were investigated. Most people would regard such sentiments as having come rather late in the day and certainly too late to save poor James. Our feelings haven't changed towards him. "My heart really goes out to them. The trial though didnt, and was never designed to, shed light on how two such young children could be guilty of such sustained barbarity. He was jailed for two years before being granted parole again in July 2013. Since the murder Robert has been in a state of post-traumatic shock, hounded by nightmares and flashbacks from the railway tracks. Or they would mess around in shops, playing on computer games if Robert had his way, sliding on the polished floors if Jon had his. But however hollow a gesture it might have seemed, those who are in touch with the Thompson and Venables families insist that they have sought to make some sort of amends with their sons after the horrific events of 17 years ago that will rightly stay with them for the rest of their lives. Most of the fun revolved around shoplifting - sweets, trolls, pepperami, tins of modelling paint, drinks, candles; anything, really. Born on August 13th, 1982, Jon was the middle child of Neil and Susan Venables. His mates called him a girl because whenever there was something on his mind he sucked his thumb. They went on family outings together, slept together, and when Susan did find a place, virtually coexisted between the two homes. Occasionally, when the children would be left sitting on the red wall outside the house too long, one of the neighbours would call the police to go and get her out of the Top House. A sudden pause in the tapes and one of the officers appeared in person to describe how he asked Neil and Susan Venables to leave the room because he thought Jon wanted to tell him something. I am providing this page for those who are interested in learning more about the lives of these boys prior to their offense. I don't think they understood he was hyperactive. Venables parents were divorced but still lived within a stones throw of one another and were both involved in their sons upbringing. The bird was taken to the vets where they are nursing it back to health. however, as the incident in the playground shows, the ever-present threat of discovery cast a constant shadow over anyone related to the two murderers. Sandra Gotheridge. yet, as Venables is back behind bars. 'It's always our family that gets the blame,' Robert said to police after he was arrested for James's murder. Meanwhile, Thompson has not re-offended since his release, and is believed to be in a long-term relationship with a man who knows who he really is. He denied having had any films that were not mainstream, or that were pornographic, in the house. The living versions on the floor of the court looked equally wrinkled and austere. Jon breaks into hysteria whenever the subject is mentioned. She spent much of her time at the pub after that, and rarely stayed in for a meal. He did like to be liked, and loved to have friends, and he has got involved with the wrong person.". The couple, who are living together again after a partial separation, said their feelings towards Jon had not changed despite the terrible crime. I cant believe people find excuses for these murderers. Southern. At Preston Crown Court a few months later, I was one of a handful of journalists given full access to the small courtroom for the trial of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both now 11-years-old. On one occasion, he said, Robert ran off down the street laughing, "You can't catch me". "In order that justice can be done, no further details are being released at this stage and the proceedings are subject to reporting restrictions.". Another added: "An awful mistake??!! But Robert was stuck in Walton with his older brothers and the baby. It seems likely that he was bullied. I do believe that she feels guilty deep down for her own part in what happened., Despite the risks of discovery, the relationship is said to have contin- ued to thrive following Thompsons. Mrs Venables walked around the area for hours, searching for him. The parents of James Bulgers killers have also come to learn that the consequences of that terrible day will stay with them for ever too. On many occasions, Susan was observed physically and verbally assaulting Jon. But he is not a murderer. The fathers of both Robert and Jon were without work. Although he appeared to have the more stable upbringing of the two boys, there was a history of family problems. From the moment Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were convicted of the murder of James Bulger, their, families have been condemned to lives spent looking over their shoulders. si fs. We still dont know why. Ironically, Jon was the child who caused his parents least anxiety. He would throw things at other children, cut himself deliberately with scissors and stick paper all over his face. It was high- lighted by the trial judge Mr Justice Morland who said they must take moral responsibility for the terrible actions of the young killers. What a horror it all was. football, snooker, things like that. It was when Jon turned seven that Susan and the children had relocated to Norris Green, one of Liverpools larger, more reputable areas. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. On Sundays he used to watch Thunderbirds. He has had his holidays like everyone else. I would say he was provoked. Mrs Venables described how she searched for Jon. 'I even went up to the railway line because I knew the other boy had a den up there and was on the railway nearly all the time.'. "My heart really goes out to them. These are the words of an officer who was in the police station when DCI Geoff MacDonald of Merseyside Police broke the news to Denise that James was dead. Constantly fighting and battering one another, and possibly, too, being hit by their emotionally drained mother, the Thompson brothers often looked scruffy, and, on more than one occasion, were seen bearing bruises and bite marks. I just burst into tears because you just knew what that meanther heart was broken. Any anxiety or animosity he might have felt was manifested largely through his school-aged thumb-sucking, a habit which elicited titters and taunts from the neighborhood children. Haunting CCTV footage shows the pair leading the tiny, trusting boy . It is not known whether the boy watched any of his father's adult movies. After spending just eight years in custody, Britain's youngest killers were released and given lifetime anonymity in the UK. Look at mine. Neil had been laid off in the months prior, so the couple sold their home, and Neil moved back in with his father, before finally relocating to an apartment in Kirkdale. Then they had carried, dragged and kicked him along a two and a half mile journey, at times swinging him violently in the air or dropping him against the road, until they reached the railway where they stoned him with bricks, bashed his head with a 22lb iron bar, and left him dead across the tracks to be cut in half by a passing goods train. Good people asked the boys if they were lost or urged them to take "their baby brother" home as he cried for his mummy. They deal with drugs, they deal with everything. As his killers began their sentences, such was the revulsion that it was already clear their families could not. Jon's parents said they talked to their son about James after he was arrested, but had to stop. Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both 10, murdered him in cold blood. They knew what they were doing," another wrote. Robert Thompson was born to Robert Sr. and Ann Thompson on the 23rd day of August 1982, in Liverpool, England. He caused me such anxiety, the teacher later recalled of Jon in a statement given to the Merseyside police. The couple, who also have a 13- year-old son, who has learning difficulties, and a 9-year-old daughter, denied that Jon was bullied by his brother or that he watched violent horror films at home. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Last week the author Angela Phillips spoke of how the gentle son of the female friend of hers turned into a fascist skinhead: 'The boy his mother wanted him to become was not man enough for the world he was forced to inhabit. Look at mine. Walton Village Financial Services would lend you pounds 300 for Christmas and demand a total of pounds 460 in repayment. Thompson was inscrutable in the dock as we heard his voice for the first time. That seems the very least they could face for what they did. Thousands of members of Unison, Unite and the GMB unions are set to walk out across England and Wales on Monday as part of continued industrial action in the health service, Performers taking part in a parade involving costumes, lion dances and floats, during Chinese New Year celebrations in London, Everton fans hold up banners protesting against the board of directors during their Premier League match against West Ham at the London Stadium, A pair of swans fly over a frozen pond in Bushy Park in London, People take part in a demonstration in support of trans rights outside the UK Government Office in Edinburgh, A member of the Royal College of Nursing holds their dog whilst on the picket line outside Kings College Hospital in London, as nurses take industrial action over pay, The scene on the A39 Quantock Road in Bridgwater after a double-decker bus overturned in a crash involving a motorcycle, A man walks dogs in snowy conditions in a park in Hexham. Online Marketing For Your Business I said no. "Youngsters are usually tried in a youth court, [Thompson and Venables] were tried in an adult court. The sunrises through the sea mist over the sculpture The Couple by Sean Henry at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea on the Northumberland coast. She was living in secrecy but always felt that she was walking around with a huge sign: mother of Bulger killer, above her head. Guilty of abducting and murdering James PatrickBulger. Only two people can answer the question, and even their ability is doubtful. He is far from it. fun to be with". She said that Jon was always "loving, caring, thoughtful and considerate . It was on his way back to the interview room when Venables finally admitted it: "We did it. ", Her husband, Neil, said: "If you had a league table of children, you would put him at the bottom of the list for anything like this.". Whatever problems she had in her own life, she was always there. During that time, Susan felt as if she was trapped and overburdened, often taking her frustrations out on her husband, who believed it was her responsibility to take care of the children, and offered her little support in the way of childrearing. I feel so sorry for them. His mother cared about him. There is, like, a little paint factory. . 'When you have got people in the area threatening to blow your kneecaps off every moment of the day - that's just the way they are. The other boy, Robert Thompson, we are told is now abiding by the conditions of his life license since he was released 17 years ago, and is doing well. For me, though, it is Susan and Neil Venables who stay most in my memory of that day. . This time, curiosity took the upper hand: 'I wanted to see what it was like,' he said. As a result of the incident, Jon's mother decided to move him to another school. When you have got people in the area threatening to blow your kneecaps off every moment of the daythats just the way they are. It is just heartbreaking.". Architect Shahed Saleem in the Ramadan Pavilion 2023 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She remained very frightened and felt that she and her son were the most hated people in the country. The experience gave Jon renewed confidence, and the second time they sagged off together he suggested it. All information on this page is true to my knowledge, and is not intended to diminish or justify either boys actions in any way whatsoever. The Americans fed 1 1/2 minutes of the Jamie Bulger story into a 22-minute bulletin of national and international news. Robert's feelings towards his half-brother also appear to have been ambivalent - he told police he would not have murdered James Bulger because 'if I wanted to kill a baby, I'd kill my own, wouldn't I?'. He had left her to bring up six children alone. Join Facebook to connect with Susan Venables and others you may know. She also had to stay strong for the remaining children. Ironically, the relationship between mother and son improved when he, was behind bars. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He gets upset. Robert passed this down the line bullying his eight-year-old brother into playing truant. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 'His mum was more strict. Who were their parents? He wore his dark hair short, almost a crew cut, which accentuated his ample forehead and blunt nose. Keep them apart or he'll get into trouble, they said. They rejected suggestions that he could have watched Child's Play Three, a film that his father had rented three weeks before James's death, which, it has been claimed, included scenes similar to those of the attack on the two-year-old. On the days he was at school he had a knack for stirring things up. re bz. They would sneak out during the morning break, hiding behind a wall before the coast was clear. It was during this time that Susan, having suffered from clinical depression for many years, had experienced what were later described as two traumatic incidences, both of which Jon would have witnessed. The family was already exhaustingly overextended, and Robert, being the fifth edition, was quick to pick up on the coping mechanisms needed to survive in a life of unremitting chaos and enmity. They probably weren't out to kill someone, but they were probably out to ruin someone else's happiness. sons, were settled in council houses within easy reach of the institutions where their sons were being held. This would have made little Robert the target of the fourth Thompson brother, who, in less than a years time, had confessed to arson, tried to stab his elder brother in a fit of rage, and had allegedly committed a lewd act against two small children (this incident was overlooked due to lack of evidence; however, because it was always considered a likely possibility that little Robert had been the victim of sexual abuse himself, and since Robert reportedly confirmed this years later, this occurrence involving his elder brother might be thought particularly revealing). A day later she would face much worse. Forensic and pathology evidence was a huge challenge for everyone, not least the jury who were shown pictures of James injuries. "'It wasnt fair to interview him. Neil explained to him that the school they attended was special, and that Jon wouldnt be accepted. However, given that the tension in the household was persistent throughout the most crucial of Jons formative years, the belief that he had moved through the ordeal entirely unaffected is questionable. I would get him something like a cartoon.". The documentary last night featured interviews with those involved in the 1993 trial, including James dad Ralph Bulger, Jon Venables solicitor Laurence Lee and detective sergeant Phil Roberts, who interviewed Robert Thompson. They fled the city, never to return. Not really?. Maybe it was that incident that put the idea into Jon or Robbie's head to 'get a little boy lost'. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Parents of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson talk about their sons, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile.