James's mother Denise Fergus demanded an apology over the comments she described as "twisted and insensitive", adding Dr Atkinson should then "resign or be sacked".

"To describe the murder of James as 'unpleasant' is an insult to his memory, and a downright lie," she told the Mercury Press.

"What they did to James was completely inhuman and to try to say it was 'unpleasant' is outrageous.

"To say that James 'ended up dead' is callous and almost makes it sound like an accident. I am furious about the way she has described his murder."

His opinions are based on age of criminal responsibility, so if the children aren't criminally responsible then what they have done is more likely to be exceptionally unpleasant, rather than cowardicely brutal. Or however you want to word it.

Now if the children can't be held responsible, what about the parents? I do think there is some blame to be applied somewhere, making sure it goes to the right place is how to prevent something like this happening in the future.

The parents of Venables and Thompson should have suffered for bringing up their kids so badly. As for what I have no idea.

His opinions are based on age of criminal responsibility, so if the children aren't criminally responsible then what they have done is more likely to be exceptionally unpleasant, rather than cowardicely brutal. Or however you want to word it.

Now if the children can't be held responsible, what about the parents? I do think there is some blame to be applied somewhere, making sure it goes to the right place is how to prevent something like this happening in the future.