Freedom will cost Bulger-killers their identity

LONDON - Amid conditions of the utmost secrecy, a small team of civil servants, probation officers and other professionals has spent months preparing the way for the killers of James Bulger to begin new lives under assumed identities.

Robert Thompson and Jon Venables are expected to be released in the northern summer from their secure units in the north of England on life licence, and will remain under intensive supervision for several years.

It has been widely rumoured that they will be taken to an English-speaking country overseas but the requirements of the life licence make this a difficult proposition.

Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada are believed to be reluctant to take responsibility for two young men who are in need of prolonged rehabilitative care and at risk of possible reprisal attacks.

Experts close to the case argue that Thompson and Venables would attract less suspicion if they were resettled in an urban area of England.

Thompson and Venables, who are expected to be released before their 19th birthdays in August, are believed to have already been introduced to their community probation officers, who will be responsible for their supervision.

If the behaviour of either teenager suggests he might be a risk to the public, he can be recalled to custody.

To support their new identities, the pair will be given documents including passports, educational certificates and false medical and social security histories. They may also require police protection in the light of the threats to their safety.

Ralph Bulger, the father of James, feels he has been denied justice by the early release of his son's killers and has pledged to hunt them down.

Detective Superintendent Albert Kirby, who headed the murder inquiry team, said the risk they faced was "quite severe."

"You only have to look at some of the problems with paedophiles recently to realise that if someone thought one of them was living on their estate, there would have to be a real cause for concern about vigilante groups gathering."

Since their trial, Thompson and Venables have been held in separate locations and they will be kept apart after release.

In considering relocation, officials must also consider the parents of the teens and the need to sever contact with all old friends and associates.

Venables' parents, Susan and Neil, have visited him every week since he was sentenced in 1993. Susan Venables has already moved from Merseyside and adopted a new name.

But Thompson's mother, Ann, would find it harder to follow Robert, as he is one of seven brothers.

During their time in custody both boys have made striking progress, say specialists. Venables has passed seven GCSE subjects, followed by A-levels. He may wish to attend a university.

A psychiatric report on Thompson said: "Robert has made exceptional progress with regard to maturity, education and insight gained in therapy."

For James Bulger's mother, Denise Fergus, the privacy being granted to the teens is intensely frustrating.

"I would love to know where they are, what they look like, how they spend their days and what sort of people they become. I think I have a right to know."

- HERALD CORRESPONDENT