Killer Jon Venables could be free from prison in just a few months after winning his latest bid for parole.
Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson in November 1993 at the age of 10 for the harrowing, brutal murder of toddler James Bulger.
He was released on licence in July 2001, and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.
Venables was again released in August 2013, and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence. His most recent parole review was in September 2020.
Now, he has been given a chance to try for freedom again and is expected to go before officials at a hearing most likely next month.
If his request is approved, then Venables could be free in the Autumn.
Venables was refused parole in December 2023 when a panel ruled he posed a risk and had not been honest with probation bosses.
In March 2024, the Government was urged by MPs to hold a public inquiry into the murder, after 213,000 people signed a petition.
The petition called for answers to questions about why Venables was freed and went on to commit more crimes.
James Bulger’s parents, Denise Fergus and her ex-husband Ralph Bulger, are reportedly furious at the news and are writing statements as to why their son’s killer should remain behind bars, according to The Sun.
A source said: "It is outrageous he is getting another shot at freedom — how many chances does he need? If ever there was a case where they should throw away the key, surely this is it.
"The family have been assured he will be dealt with as a ‘high-risk’ case and it will take a lot to see him freed. But it is still a huge concern that he is allowed to re-apply so quickly. Denise and Ralph are angry and anxious."
