The unimaginable happened in February 1993. Two ten-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, lured two-year-old James Bulger away from his mother, Denise, in a Merseyside shopping centre. The nation soon learned of the horrific outcome – James was murdered, a crime that shattered innocence and gripped the country in grief.
Now, decades later, the pain continues for Denise Fergus. She received the devastating news that James’s grave had been vandalized, not once, but twice in a matter of months. The first incident, discovered in February, left her reeling, a fresh wave of sorrow washing over her.
The initial damage included the deliberate destruction of two cherub ornaments, their heads brutally smashed. An outpouring of support followed, with an incredible fundraising effort raising over £20,000 to repair the grave and replace the cherished figures. It was a testament to the enduring memory of James and the compassion of strangers.
But the respite was tragically short-lived. Just weeks later, Denise was confronted with another act of senseless cruelty. The newly replaced cherub heads were again targeted, this time “scythed off,” leaving Denise feeling her heart had broken all over again.
“I am absolutely disgusted that James’ grave has been demolished and devastated again,” she stated, her voice filled with anguish. “It has broken our hearts. How evil do you need to be to vandalise and destroy a child’s grave?” The repeated attacks feel deeply personal, a cruel continuation of the original tragedy.
Merseyside Police responded swiftly to the latest vandalism, arresting a 78-year-old man from Kirkby on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
This latest heartbreak comes as the family also faces the prospect of Jon Venables, one of James’s killers, potentially seeking freedom again. A previous parole application was denied in 2023, with the Parole Board citing continued risk to children. Venables has a history of re-offending, including possessing indecent images of children, leading to multiple recalls to prison.
Despite the relentless pain, Denise finds solace in the overwhelming support from the community. Her husband, Stuart Fergus, charity manager of the James Bulger Memorial Trust, expressed their gratitude for the “lovely messages and donations,” highlighting the enduring love and respect for James and Denise.
The repeated desecration of James’s grave serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of this horrific crime and the ongoing pain inflicted upon his family. It is a space meant for remembrance and peace, repeatedly violated by acts of unimaginable cruelty.
