James Bulger killer Robert Thompson’s life behind bars – from romance to pub trips

As child killer Jon Venables looks set to have another parole hearing, we take a look at his accomplice Robert Thompson, who claims his eight years behind bars made him a ‘better person’

The heartbroken parents of James Bulger face fresh hell as their son’s killer Jon Venables looks set to have another parole hearing in the coming months.

Venables and pal Robert Thompson – then both 10 – abducted, tortured and murdered the tragic two year old in 1993 in a case that shocked the nation. The pair were released under new identities in 2001, having served just eight years after they were sentenced.

But while Venables spiralled into paedophilia as an adult, returning to prison in 2010 and 2017 for possessing child sex abuse images, the supposed ringleader Thompson is not known to have offended again.

And he even said his eight years in a secure unit “made him a better person”. Here, we take a look at his life behind bars.

Constant notes and strict routine

Every detail of the boys’ lives had been recorded on running sheets twice a day during their time inside, complete with staff signatures. Notes were stored at the respective units and were also copied to Whitehall officials monitoring the case.

And all the while, similarly to regular youngsters, there were classes to attend. In June 2001, both Thompson and Venables would have had to adhere to a strict regime, rising at 7 am to start their one-to-one lessons, which would continue until 3.15 pm.

A frequent truant prior to his conviction, this would prove to be a stark contrast to Thompson’s “feral” old life. Evenings were made up of counselling sessions, playing games and watching TV, then it was lights out time at 10 pm.

While he had failed to thrive academically at his school, Thompson did well at Barton Moss, achieving five GCSEs and several A-levels.

Shopping trips and pub visits

Thompson enjoyed trips outside the walls of the unit, which occurred as frequently as once a week. In his youth, Thompson was taken out shopping in Sheffield and Manchester, attended Shakespeare plays and ice hockey matches, and was even taken to the pub.

At Christmas and on birthdays, Thompson received small cash gifts and his response to therapy was rewarded with greater opportunities to interact with the outside world, viewed as an important step for preparing for adult life upon his release.

Dominic Lloyd, a solicitor representing Thompson, noted: “Can you imagine what coming out would be like if they hadn’t gone on those trips? They would not know how to cope.”

Romance inside, mysterious life now and new partner

Described as slightly awkward but caring, with a schoolboy sense of humour, it was remarked that boredom had led to Thompson overeating, resulting in him being slightly overweight, the Mirror reports.

He’d also embarked on a relationship with a girl at the mixed sex unit, which came to an end after she went to live with foster parents.

After being released on lifelong licence under a new identity, it was reported that Thompson held down a steady job, was settled down and in a long-term relationship with a boyfriend – believed to be aware of his true identity.

Apology to Bulger family

In 2018, a tv documentary revealed Thompson’s statement to the parole board ahead of his 2001 release for the first time. In this statement, Thompson claimed he was a “better person” because of his eight years in detention and apologised to James’s family.

Thompson said: “At that time of my life, I was completely out of control and spending time with a group of friends whose main occupation was committing crimes and causing trouble… my life on the streets was better for me than my life at home.

“I do feel aware that I am now a better person and have had a better life and a better education than if I had not committed the murder. There is obviously an irony to this, but it is part of my remorseful feelings as well.

“I personally wish Mr and Mrs Bulger and their families to know that I am desperately sorry for what I did, and aware of the enormity of what I did.”

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