It's now becoming apparent that they've got no chance of keeping their past identities hidden. For a start, European newspapers are under no constraint, and are already on the trail, so the word will soon filter across the channel.

It did work for Mary Bell for many years (another who killed as a child) but times have changed. Maybe new identities is the wrong approach this time round. Maybe these lads have just got to tough it out. Let people see that they've changed, and hope that sanity will prevail. The very fact that they are hidden from view will be a direct factor in whipping up feelings.

When Mary Bell's cover was blown, there was outcry for a few days, but the world soon forgot about her again, so ther might be hope.
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Another relevant point in this, I think, is that Jamie's mother asked to meet Thompson and Venables, but the request was refused. In this particular instance I do think she had that entitlement - and such a meeting could well have had some positive outcomes.

Maybe it's time for those lads to grit their teeth and have that meeting - then take their chances, under their own names.