The mother of murdered toddler James Bulger has called for "open justice" in
the investigation against murderer Jon Venables.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw told Parliament on Monday afternoon that Venables had been recalled to prison following "extremely serious" allegations.
But he refused to reveal further details of the child-killer's rearrest, indicating that "this would not presently be in the interests of justice".
Mr Straw said: "During the week beginning February 22nd this year, officials in my department learnt of a compromise of Venables’ new identity.
"Subsequently, information came to light that Venables may have committed a serious breach of his licence conditions. He was recalled to custody the same day and has since remained in prison.
"A parole board hearing will be held as soon as practicable."
Mr Straw said he understood Denise Fergus' frustration but made a very public slip-up referring to her as "Mrs Ferguson".
Denise, 42, declined to comment on Mr Straw's gaffe but said that the substance of Mr Straw's statement in the House of Commons had merely posed more unanswered questions.
Mother-of-three Denise said: "To say that his identity was compromised and that
allegations of a serious offence were disclosed have now set my mind running
ever more.
"I do not see why Jack Straw cannot state plainly what this offence
is that Venables is suspected of committing.
"Police issue statements every day when a person is arrested about what
suspicion they have been arrested on. This should apply to Venables.
"I understand that Mr Straw does not want to prejudice the investigation but
all I am asking for is the same treatment for Venables that anyone else would
get.
"I believe we have a system of open justice in this country and Jack Straw
needs to be as open as possible in this case otherwise I suspect he is
protecting a criminal."
mairead, belfrast around 4 months, 3 weeks ago