Mother of Murdered Toddler James Bulger 'Devastated' by Grave Vandalism
Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has expressed profound devastation after discovering that her son's grave has been targeted by vandals. In an emotional Facebook post, she revealed that her "heart is broken once again" upon finding the headstone damaged and two cherubs on either side smashed to pieces.
Details of the Appalling Incident
The vandalism is believed to have occurred between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on February 26, 2026, at the cemetery where James is laid to rest. Denise Fergus received a message from a woman walking her dog, who sadly informed her of the damage. She and her family rushed to the scene to find the cherubs destroyed, with photos showing the heads lying among scattered marble chunks on the ground.
In her post, Denise Fergus pleaded for information, stating: "I need to find whoever done this to my son's resting place. I try to help as many families as I can with either justice campaigns or helping families through the charity I set up in his memory and some horrid b*****d has done this… to a baby's grave! Really?" She urged anyone with details to contact the James Bulger Memorial Trust or Merseyside Police.
Police Condemn 'Abhorrent and Truly Shocking' Attack
Merseyside Police have condemned the vandalism as "abhorrent and truly shocking." Inspector Chris Taylor emphasized that officers are taking the matter extremely seriously and remain determined to identify those responsible. "To vandalise a grave is completely abhorrent and it's truly shocking to think that someone could commit such an appalling act," he said. Police attended the scene promptly and are supporting the family during their enquiries.
Background on James Bulger's Tragic Case
James Bulger was just two years old when he was lured away from his mother by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged 10 at the time, and murdered in February 1993. This incident adds to the family's ongoing trauma, particularly with Venables due to make another bid for freedom. The Parole Board rejected a previous application in 2023, ruling he still posed a danger to children and could reoffend.
Venables was released on licence in July 2001 but recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was freed again in August 2013 and recalled once more in November 2017 for the same offence, with parole judges reviewing his case in September 2020.
Denise Fergus's heartfelt plea highlights the continued pain faced by the family, as they seek justice and closure in the wake of this cruel act of vandalism.
