Episode
James Bulger: the story that shocked the world
- Podcast
- The Crime Agents
- Published
- May 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2765
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://global-tca.captivate.fm
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Summary
James Bulger was just 2 years old when he was abducted, tortured and murdered by 10 year olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Liverpool in 1993. The story made headlines around the world, and in this episode, Andy & Neil hear from LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty, who followed the case closely and knows James Bulger's family well. Shelagh recalls what it was like to sit in the courtroom as the 10 year olds became Britain's youngest-ever convicted murderers, and becomes emotional when describing the impact that covering this shocking case continues to have on her to this day. She also tries to answer a question that has troubled the country ever since: why did they do it? Andy, Neil & Shelagh also discuss James's legacy, the campaigning work done by his mother Denise, and whether it was right for Venables & Thompson to be tried as adults and held criminally responsible for their actions. They explain why this case still matters decades later, and ask whether society has learned the right lessons from a crime that still haunts the country to this day. Warning: please note this episode includes content that some listeners might find distressing. Follow us on social media: @thecrimeagents The Crime Agents is a Global production, available every Monday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.