Jon Venables, killer of James Bulger, has lost a Parole Board bid to be freed from jail, sparking relief for his victim's family

The panel has ruled that it was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public”.

The Parole Board summary says: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

"It noted the risks…. doubted Mr Venables’ ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, and to develop his relationship with his probation officer.

"By law, Mr Venables will be eligible for another parole review in due course.”

Veneables, 41, alongside Robert Thompson, murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993, when the pair were both 10 years old.

Both were jailed in 1993 and given life sentences, however were released on licence with new identities in 2001.

Veneables was sent back to jail in 2010 for possessing indecent images of children.

James Bulger was murdered in 1993 by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson