I can neither condemn nor condone the actions of Thompson and Venables. I do not possess full knowledge of all the facts, which makes it wrong for me, or most other people, to pass judgement.

My belief is that these boys were still mentally children, and were not fully aware of the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

Many young boys are guilty of pulling legs off spiders, setting off fireworks inside live frogs, and many other cruel acts involving small creatures.

The difference is that these children are rarely called to account for their actions, but Thompson and Venables chose a young child. It was inevitable that their actions should attract media attention.

However, to say that they deliberately murdered that young child is open to very serious doubt - I believe it was a prank which got out of hand.

I stress that I do not know for certain, but my training and subsequent experience as a primary school teacher provides me with an insight others may not have.

Mothers of small boys clearly share this insight, but it is interesting that this theory has not been publicly voiced.

The killing of James Bulger was horrific, to say the least. But not dissimilar to the fate of many family pets. You will note I deliberately used 'killing' and not 'murder'. 'Murder' specifically requires a pre-meditated act. How can anyone believe that two small boys deliberately set out to murder a child? The whole idea is ludicrous.

The family of James Bulger are understandably devastated by the whole thing. Should they, however, compound the problem by allowing their grief to deprive two boys who are now adults of a 'normal' life?

Yes, the family have lost James, but punishing the killers cannot bring him back, nor can the killers turn the clock back.

What is the likelihood of Venables and Thompson murdering again? I would suggest that the likelihood grows the longer they are unfairly imprisoned. Only they know whether they killed James on purpose, or by accident. If it was an accident (as seems more likely), then continuing punishment is unfair.

There is also the unanswered question - were they both responsible, or did only one of them actually kill James? That raises more problems...

My heart goes out to the Bulger family. If I were to lose either of my children, or my grandson, I, too, would be devastated. However, I am fortunate that I am not in such a position.

The truth may never be known, and we can only pray that a similar death does not occur...