PROFILE OF CHILD KILLER ROBERT THOMPSON SHOCKS LIVERPOOL AND WALTON

James Patrick Bulger, born on 16 March 1990, was a young boy from Kirkby, England, whose tragic life was cut short in a horrifying act of violence on 12 February 1993, when he was only two years old.

His abduction, brutal torture, and murder were carried out by two ten-year-old boys, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables. Bulger had been with his mother at the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, near Liverpool, when he disappeared without a trace.

Two days later, his mutilated body was discovered along a railway line in Walton, approximately two and a half miles from the shopping center. The discovery shocked the nation and prompted immediate legal action.

On 20 February 1993, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were formally charged with the abduction and murder of James Bulger. Their trial culminated in a verdict of guilty on 24 November 1993, making them the youngest individuals in modern English history to be convicted of murder.

The boys were sentenced to detention until they reached adulthood, initially until the age of 18, and were later released on a lifelong license in June 2001. The case ignited widespread debate about juvenile justice, the rehabilitation of young offenders, and the appropriate measures for their sentencing and potential release.

The story of Robert Thompson, often portrayed as the ringleader, reveals a complex and disturbing background. Despite the perception of him as a tough and aggressive child, his personality was largely shaped by a harsh environment and a history of abuse.

Thompson grew up in a rough household in Walton, where he faced constant violence and neglect. His environment was marked by brutality, with his mother, Ann, coming from an abusive family and married to Robert Thompson Sr., who was also violent and an alcoholic.

His father’s abandonment left Robert and his siblings to fend for themselves, often under the influence of their older brothers, who bullied and mistreated them. The family’s history was marred by violence, theft, arson, and suspected sexual abuse, with some siblings even involved in criminal activities or suffering from mental health issues.

Robert, the fifth of six brothers, attempted to maintain some semblance of normalcy by helping his mother and babysitting his younger brother, Ryan. However, his troubled upbringing left deep scars, and he was often seen as a shy, manipulative child who skipped school and kept to himself.

His behavior was marked by a mixture of childish habits, such as playing with troll dolls and thumb-sucking, and attempts to project toughness, often trying to act like a “Thompson.” Despite this, he was not inherently violent, though he was known to roam Walton streets late at night and was occasionally involved in minor altercations.

The relationship between Robert and his younger brother Ryan was complex, characterized by intimidation but also a strange bond. Ryan exhibited disturbing behaviors, such as bedwetting, setting fires, and gaining weight, possibly as a response to the violence and neglect at home.

Evidence suggests that Robert bullied Ryan into participating in his adventures, including skipping school and wandering near dangerous areas like canals, where James Bulger was later taken.

Some experts believe Robert’s actions may have been an outlet for his frustrations and jealousy, especially towards younger children like Ryan and Baby Ben, who was 18 months old at the time.

During the trial, Robert’s involvement in the crime was scrutinized, with some suggesting he may have initiated the plan to steal James as a way to act out his anger or jealousy. Jon Venables, however, appeared to exert more control over the situation, especially in keeping James with them.

Robert’s demeanor during the trial was often cold and unremorseful, with some media describing him as staring down others as if he were a mini Charles Manson. His hardened appearance was a survival tactic, but it also contributed to the public’s perception of him as a dangerous individual.

The more violent tendencies were attributed to Jon Venables, who was responsible for the worst acts of violence during the crime. Robert, however, was not merely a bystander; he was involved in the sexual assault allegations and showed signs of distress when questioned about the incident, crying and fearing being labeled a “pervert.”

Despite his tough exterior, Robert Thompson displayed childish traits, such as playing with toys and sucking his thumb, which he was teased for by others. His upbringing and repression of innocence may have contributed to his capacity for violence against James Bulger.

The social worker responsible for overseeing Robert’s detention described him as a ‘kid gloves’ case, noting that he was treated with special care and attention. During his time in detention, Robert was considered a ‘popular, likeable lad,’ and he appeared confident and calculating, traits that worried some staff members.

Thompson’s behavior inside the detention center was carefully monitored. He was not known to be violent or troublemaking but was capable of defending himself and asserting control when necessary. He often manipulated staff to gain privileges, such as later bedtimes and extra television time, demonstrating his intelligence and strategic thinking.

His relationships with staff were complex; he was close to some, including the unit manager, and could be persuasive and charming when it suited him. Despite this, staff members were aware of his potential for manipulation and the unsettling calmness he exhibited during confrontations.

As he approached his teenage years, Robert was allowed outings to shopping centers, where he appeared to navigate the outside world with ease. He showed interest in sports, fashion, and social activities, and he maintained a close relationship with his mother, who visited him regularly.

His first romantic relationship at age 16 was with a girl who was also involved in petty crime. Their bond was evident, and they were openly affectionate during recreation time, though staff were unsure if their relationship became sexual.

In June 2001, the parole board decided that Robert Thompson and Jon Venables no longer posed a threat to society, leading to their release under new identities. The decision was approved by then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, and both boys were placed in secret locations, with strict conditions to prevent contact with each other.

Since his release, Robert has managed to stay largely out of trouble, working as a steward at a major sporting event and occasionally seen in pubs. A social worker who had observed him closely believes that Robert is unlikely to follow the same destructive path as Venables, citing his intelligence and calculated nature.

Nevertheless, the shadow of his past and the notoriety of the crime continue to haunt him. The social worker expressed concern that the public and media scrutiny, especially regarding Venables’ reoffending, could trigger memories and feelings of guilt.

Somewhere in Britain, Robert Thompson, now in his late twenties, likely watched the news with a detached expression, perhaps with a flicker of remorse or indifference. His life has taken a different course, but the scars of his childhood and the crime he committed remain a dark chapter in his history, forever linked to the tragic death of James Bulger.