James Bulger killer Robert Thompson claims murdering toddler gave him a 'better life'

One of James Bulger’s killers claimed he has had a “better life” as a result of murdering the toddler.

Robert Thompson, 36, said he had become a “better person” behind bars as he apologised for the killing in a statement to the Parole Board in 2001.

In the statement, revealed for the first time tonight in Channel 5 documentary James Bulger: The New Revelations, Thompson said he was “desperately sorry”.

Thompson was ten years old when he tortured and killed James with his friend Jon Venables after abducting the two-year-old from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1993. They were convicted in November that year, becoming England's youngest ever murderers on record.

Bidding for his release 17 years ago, Thompson said: “I do feel aware that I am now a better person and have had a better life and a better education than if I had not committed the murder.

“There is obviously an irony to this, but it is part of my remorseful feelings as well. I, personally, wish Mr and Mrs Bulger and their families to know that I am desperately sorry for what I did, and aware of the enormity of what I did.

“Mr and Mrs Bulger have made statements in the press indicating that they would view any statement of remorse by me as a cynical manoeuvre to secure my release. It is difficult, given that, to see how I could ever communicate my remorse in an effective way.”

He also said: “I am deeply ashamed of what I did, and of having played a part in this horrible murder.”

The Parole Board decided in June that year to recommend releasing Thompson and Venables, then both 18, on a lifelong licence and they were freed under new identities.

But James’ dad Ralph told the Mirror that he still refuses to accept his son’s killer’s apology, describing his statement as “false words”.

In the statement, Thompson says that when they left the Strand shopping centre in Merseyside he “became aware Jon Venables had a little boy with him”.

With regard to CCTV images showing them leading James away, he said: “I very much regret that I did nothing to stop it at this time and the sight of those photographs fills me with shame and revulsion.”

He also denied that they sexually assaulted James before killing him.

He added: “Jon Venables and I did not speak to each other at all, as I remember, during the attack. And we didn’t speak about it after we left James Bulger on the railway line.”

In his statement, he said: “At that time of my life, I was completely out of control and spending time with a group of friends whose main occupation was committing crime and causing trouble.

“I was out of control because my life on the streets was better for me than my life at home – there was nothing for me at home.”

Venables was reportedly jailed again last year for possession of child abuse images, but little is known of Thompson’s life since his release.