James Bulger

Agreed, Iam. There are a lot of overlaps, and whereas I understand people's feelings about Bell profiting from what she did, the fact that it has been written about and the book is in the public domain means that people can understand more about what drives children to do this. I don't know what was involved in the collaboration with Gitta Sereny, but for all we know it could have taken a long time, and it would almost certainly have been distressing for her.

I might revisit the book as a result of this thread. The Bulger essay in it is very good too, as is As If by Blake Morrison. Neither is sensationalist or prurient. They are both intelligent reports about the trial(s) with an attempt to understand what drove the boys to do what they did.

I’ve re-visited the psychiatric evaluations. Dr Bentovin and Sue Bailey, forensic psychiatrist talked with Thompson and Venebles. I’d forgotten they concluded both boys suffered ptsd as a result of murdering James and their trial. They would have benefitted from psychological and psychiatric intervention before the trial but this was denied due to the fear of damaging the trial

I thought there was a rule stopping people profiting from crime in that way. The Commonwealth Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

If you read the thread you would have seen you have confused the dates.

I have read the thread . The act was passed in 2002 so would apply now. Probably nothing like that applies in the UK I suppose.

nanna8

I have read the thread . The act was passed in 2002 so would apply now. Probably nothing like that applies in the UK I suppose.

As is mentioned on the thread (previous page) the law was changed as a result of the Mary Bell case so that it is now illegal to profit from crime. The book came out in 1995, so it must have been after that - I haven't got time to look it up, but the law here may well be the one you mention. The timing certainly sounds right.

crazyH

Very, very sad case. I hope Denise and Jamie’s Dad are coping ok. Time eases the pain, though it will never go away.

Am I right in thinking that Denise passed away?

James (not Jamie's) father is dead, but Denise Bulger (as was) is alive. This was discussed upthread.

Doodledog

James (not Jamie's) father is dead, but Denise Bulger (as was) is alive. This was discussed upthread.

Sorry, I obviously missed it. Thank you.

Totally agree. They were 2 children damaged beyond belief and it turned them into monsters. There were 3 child victims.