Dominic Raab will contest any attempt to free child killer Jon Venables

DOMINIC Raab is planning to contest any attempt to free Jon Venables, Trending In The News can reveal. 

Sources say the Justice Secretary would almost certainly demand a review if the Parole Board decides to release the sick child killer.

We revealed yesterday the twisted felon could walk free from jail within weeks as officials prepare to examine his case.

The father of Venables’ tragic victim Jamie Bulger is demanding Mr Raab intervenes to keep his son’s killer behind bars. 

Ralph Bulger said the monster’s release would be the “ultimate betrayal”. 

Mr Raab is set to introduce new powers in the New Year to allow him to flat-out veto Parole Board decisions rather than just request a review. 

The Justice Secretary would be the ultimate arbiter of whether the worst offenders might still pose a threat to the public.

Two-year-old victim James Bulger was killed in February 1993.

Ralph’s pleas have been echoed by his ex-wife, James’ mum Denise Fergus.

Venables was recalled to jail for a second time in 2017 for hoarding nearly 1,200 child abuse images.

Ralph wants to attend any hearing under the terms of a Parole Board shake-up.

He has been warned to expect a date in “early 2023”.

Trending In The News told earlier this year how reports, including the views of prison officers, psychiatrists and even Venables himself, had been drawn up to form a highly sensitive dossier.

The Parole Board is now assessing that file.

It must first decide whether to hold a full oral hearing and seek evidence from witnesses, or just assess the case on the documents in front of them.

Sources say Venables’ notoriety, and history of repeat offending means an oral hearing is a “racing certainty” in this case.