Bulger lawyer attacks ruling

The killers led the toddler to his death

The lawyer representing the mother of James Bulger says Monday's ruling that the toddler's killers will have their anonymity preserved has wide-reaching implications for press freedom.

Sean Sexton, the solicitor for Denise Fergus, said the case of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson had brought about "perhaps the most sweeping change in the law in terms of freedom of expression" since the libel laws were drawn up in the 18th Century.

He added that Ms Fergus and the rest of James' family felt that the killers had received special treatment and that "the rules had been rewritten" for them.

Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss ruled at the High Court that Thompson and Venables, who are now 18, were "uniquely notorious" and would be at serious risk of attack if their identities were revealed.

Media concerns

In a rare move, she extended the injunction banning publication of new photographs of the young men, or their whereabouts and new lives once they are released.

Mr Sexton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It seems that new law seems to follow this case around.

"Not only have Thompson and Venables succeeded in changing the law on how juveniles are sentenced and detained in this country, but now it would appear there has been perhaps the most sweeping change in the law in terms of freedom of expression for the press since the offence of criminal libel was introduced in the 18th century."

James Bulger was two years old when he died

Several media organisations have also raised concerns that the ruling would set a precedent for other criminals to claim anonymity.

However, legal experts say the Bulger case is so exceptional that this is unlikely to happen.

Thompson and Venables abducted and battered to death the two-year-old in Bootle in February 1993. They were convicted later that year and detained at Her Majesty's pleasure.

They have been held in separate secure units but following a ruling in 2000, are now eligible for parole and are expected to be released later this year.

James 'forgotten'

Mr Sexton said the Bulger family "felt very strongly that Thompson and Venables are receiving special treatment and that really James' rights have been forgotten entirely in the whole process."

Mr Sexton said his client had been invited to make representations to the Parole Board, but only on the conditions of the licence on which the boys would be released, and not whether it is safe for them to be released.

"She views this process of consultation frankly as something of a charade," he said.

Ms Fergus said on Monday she was very disappointed with Dame Elizabeth's decision and felt that the pair did not deserve protection.