It's a huge day... best thing that's happened to us for 30 years

DENISE FERGUS, JAMES' MUM

- BEN GRIFFITHS and TOM PETTIFOR

JAMES Bulger's mum Denise Fergus says she felt a surge of shock followed by relief when she learnt killer Jon Venables has had his bid for parole rejected.

Denise, who has tirelessly campaigned for three decades for justice for her murdered little boy, added she feels vindicated at last.

The Parole Board yesterday agreed that evil Venables, now 41, is still a danger to children and cannot be trusted back on the streets.

The panel said they are concerned Venables - who was aged 10 when he tortured and murdered two-year-old James in 1993 has "continuing issues of sexual preoccupation".

Denise, 54, said: "I feel we have finally been listened to and the whole nation is safe from the most dangerous, murdering sexual predator.

"I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years so the decision to not let him walk free is the best thing that has happened to me for 30 years. It's a huge day for us.

"I could barely sleep for the dread and fear that one of the most evil men on the planet could be back on our streets. I had braced myself for his release.

"So when I was told the news Venables parole had been rejected I was shellshocked. It's the first time something has gone my way. I felt so relieved.

"It feels like the decision is vindication for all the times I have told people he is a danger to society and that he would harm again. I'm so pleased the Parole Board have agreed with that.

"I hope Venables now gets to feel a bit of the anguish I have felt for all these years because I've been to hell and back.

"I don't think he should ever see the light of day again.