For the first time in 29 years, my pain has been heard

Justice hope over killing that shocked the nation

- BEN GRIFFITHS

THE mother of murdered James Bulger believes she is a step closer to justice for her beloved son after a landmark meeting with Justice Secretary Dominic Raab.

The crunch talks were the first time that Denise Fergus has been granted an audience with a senior politician since two-year-old James's horrific killing.

In an emotional interview, the grieving mum said she feels "listened to at last".

Denise wanted the urgent meeting with Mr. Raab to ask him to intervene in a parole hearing which could result in Jon Venables - one of the two boys who killed James in 1993 - being released from prison. She also wanted to discuss her petition calling for an inquiry into the killing that shocked Britain.

Denise thanked the Sunday Mirror and our readers for supporting her bid to meet Mr. Raab - who praised her courage. In an exclusive interview, the mum of five says: "Going down to the meeting, I was very nervous as I didn't know what was going to be said.

"I knew time was running out and this was our chance. I hope this is a step closer to getting some justice for my son James. For the first time in many years someone actually wanted to listen and not just brush me off. I'm so relieved.

"After 29 years seeking justice for James, I left the meeting knowing I'd been listened to and understood.

On May 1, Denise told us how she had only two weeks to submit a vital victim impact statement, which could keep Venables who had twice previously reoffended behind bars.

Two weeks later, the family and the Mirror won a victory when Mr Raab agreed to meet her.

And now, days after the Westminster showdown, Denise, 53, says: "I can't thank the Sunday Mirror and their readers enough for backing me to get to this point. I really appreciate it."

Denise has maintained what she calls a "defence mode" since James was killed.