Terms Raised for Young Killers of British Child
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LONDON — A Cabinet minister has nearly doubled the minimum sentence to be served by two boys convicted of kidnaping and murdering a 2-year-old boy in a case that horrified Britain.
Home Secretary Michael Howard, after a campaign for longer sentences by the victim’s parents, set minimum terms of 15 years for Robert Thompson and Jon Venables.
In February, 1993, the boys, both 10 at the time, lured James Bulger from a shopping center in Liverpool, killed him and left his body on a railroad track.
The boys were given indefinite sentences in November, when a judge recommended that they serve at least eight years before being considered for release.
Ralph and Denise Bulger, James’ parents, were pleased with Howard’s action, the family’s lawyer said.
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