Newspapers just can’t get enough when it comes to reporting about James Bulger’s murderers Robert Thompson and Jon Venables.
Today’s copy of The Sun goes with a staggeringly large headline, saying “Bulger killer No2 Goes Abroad On Lads’ Holiday”.
Don’t get me wrong, those two criminals got what they deserved for their terrible actions. But, as far as we are aware, Robert Thompson has not reoffended since being given his new identity.
This means that now he is technically a ‘normal’ person, who you wouldn’t even notice if you walked past him on the street.
Witch hunt
So, does a story about him going on holiday warrant such coverage? I don’t really think so. But the media does love a witch hunt.
It seems the other ‘big’ story today is about Nick Clegg’s hypocritical stance on, as the Daily Mirror puts it, “internships for the rich”.
Flagging credibility
Arguably yes it is hypocritical. But then what did we expect? Regardless of what Clegg says it will continue.
At least he had the balls to suggest it was wrong, and something should be done about it.
But then again, is this just Clegg saying something which he hopes will boost his flagging credibility? After all, it wouldn’t be the first time…
What makes this story quite hilarious is the way it’s been covered though.
The Mirror has gone with a lovely smug shot for their front-page, and then the obligatory toff picture for their page six story.
The Daily Express has, amazingly, used the exact same pictures. It’s certainly odd to see two different papers, with totally opposite allegiances, use the same images.
It would be interesting to see how they’d cover it if it was Cameron, that’s for sure.
Read more of Wordsmith:
Rupert Murdoch’s media monopoly
Japan earthquake shows importance of rolling news
Sarah
Apr 06, 2011 @ 10:22:48
Yeah, it’s pathetic.
All those on life license can apply to go on travel abroad. Thompson is no different. Denise Fergus’s claims that it amounted to a change in license conditions are false. Just as her claim that Venables’ trip was taken despite them knowing he had been involved in fighting and cocaine use was false (in fact the arrests for those came a year after his trip). Permission can, of course be refused. In Thompson’s case, it looks like he asked permission, it was given, he paid for the trip himself and he abided by the rules. If anything, this paints Thompson in quite a positive light all things considered. I’m starting to understand why the Ministry of Justice won’t give Denise Fergus the time of day – it’s clear that she can’t be trusted with any confidential information concerning her son’s killers – as her unhealthy relationship with the gutter press indicates.
I think there are those from publications like The Sun who would actually love it if Thompson reoffended. I find the idea that they get off on wishing there were more victims to be pretty sick and vile.
wordsmithh
Apr 06, 2011 @ 22:34:47
Thanks for commenting Sarah, it’s much appreciated. You’re probably right about The Sun wishing they’d commit more crimes so they could really lay into them. Though of course this case shows that they’ll find a way to run meaningless stories like this anyway. What surprises me more was that other papers didn’t cover this today too, as we all know how The Daily Mail also likes a good moan.