In 1993 our televisions and newspapers brought us the news of murdered toddler James Bulger. Now, eight years on, they bring us the news that his murderers, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, 10 years-old at the time, are to be set free - promised a lifelong guarantee of anonymity and a new life, possibly in Australia. This shocking news has caused outrage throughout the majority of the nation.

Now 18, their anonymity will ensure they are never placed on a ‘known offenders’ register, and so, if any crimes of a similar nature ever occur again, they will escape the attention of the police. Furthermore, should their new life of luxury prove to be insufficient, they know that they can always turn to the media and the vast amount of money they are willing to throw at them for their stories.

It is almost unthinkable to imagine the last minutes of James Bulger’s life. The unspeakable actions of these two boys - apparently done for the fun of it, cannot be over-looked as childish mischief. This was clearly not an act of impulse. Will we ever be safe with such murderers being set free after eight years?

If the same crime were committed by an adult it is doubtful they would serve the same sentence, so why the difference? From the moment we are born we are taught right and wrong, they knew what they were doing, would they do it again?

It is a sad state when criminals have advantages over law-abiding people, is this justice gone mad? Millions spent on schooling, no over-crowded classrooms, one-to-one teaching, and a clean slate - is this the price of life?

Heather Kirk