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ROBERT Thompson was one of two boys jailed for the horrific bashing, sexual torture and murder of toddler Jamie Bulger. Now there is strong speculation the 17-year-old could be freed and sent to start his new life in Australia. YOUNG murderer Robert Thompson began life anew in a secure prison unit in February 1993. He was infamous for his role in the shocking murder of Jamie Bulger. Fellow inmates were aware of the details of the crime, as was the rest of the world. Thompson suffered taunts from the other inmates and had nightmares about people climbing over the walls to attack him. His mother tried to help by telling him to walk away or reply to other young criminals: "Well, you're no angel either, otherwise you wouldn't be here." Thompson's crime was so heinous some of the details remain too sickening to report. Detective- Superintendent Albert Kirby was in charge of the case and broke his silence after reports Thompson and his partner in the crime, Jon Venables, could be released within three years. The retired police officer said he would never forget the butchery inflicted on Jamie Bulger's tiny body, or the horror in the eyes of Jamie's mother. Mr Kirby vividly recalled finding Jamie's body dumped on a railway track, sliced in two by a passing train after being dumped there by the two young killers. Jamie's face had been smashed with bricks and bludgeoned with an iron bar. "His head was like pulp," Mr Kirby said. His face also was splattered with paint thrown at him and he was naked from the waist down. It was also suspected he was sexually molested In a way that would have caused "excruciating pain". Mr Kirby said he believed, despite the latest European Court ruling to the contrary, the British trial was fair. He believed the pair should remain in jail until at least 21, but said it would be inhumane to keep the boys locked up for life. "They did something indescribably horrible. But they were only 10 years old." The British justice system is now faced with the question of how best to give Robert Thompson and John Venables a second chance. Unlike Venables, Thompson has responded well to rehabilitation and his supporters believe he deserves every chance at a "normal" life," possibly being sent to Australia with a new identity. The turnaround in Thompson has surprised observers of the case. Throughout the trial he, more than Venables, was the one who worried child psychologists because he showed no emotion and on videotaped evidence he appeared to lie his way through police interviews. He also blamed Venables for the crime. The breakthrough in Thompson's rehabilitation came in 1995 when he finally admitted to playing a 50:50 role in the murder and to feeling remorse. These days Thompson is one of the oldest members of the unit and has adopted a leadership role. He is also reportedly bright, artistically gifted and has carefully cultivated his interest in design, art, textiles and catering. A girl who entered the unit briefly for a minor offence is understood to have developed a relationship with him and the pair have been exchanging letters. She is believed to be Thompson's first girlfriend. It would be virtually impossible for either Thompson or Venables to lead a normal life in Britain. Officials are refusing to verify reports that plans are being drawn up to give Thompson an assumed name in the hope of a new life in Australia. It remains to be seen whether Australian authorities would, or should, be willing to help. Adelaide Advertiser (26-12-1999) Helen McCabe |
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In Britain, one of the killers of two-year-old James Bulger has become a father, it was reported yesterday. Robert Thompson, now 23, has been living under a secret identity since his release from jail nearly five years ago and his girlfriend is unaware of his involvement in James's murder. Adelaide Advertiser (3-1-2006) |
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