A British court yesterday jailed one of the country's most notorious murderers, who killed a two-year-old toddler when he was aged just 10, for downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

Jon Venables, now 27, pleaded guilty to three charges in relation to child pornography at the Old Bailey court in London, appearing by video link from jail where he has been held since being recalled in February.

Mr Venables and Robert Thompson were given life sentences for the brutal murder of toddler James Bulger in 1993, but the pair were released on licence in 2001 and given secret new identities for their own safety.

The sadistic torture and murder of Bulger caused horror across Britain and fears about attacks on the two killers continue. Only the judge hearing the case yesterday was able to see Mr Venables give his video evidence.

He was sentenced to two years in jail, but the judge said he would not automatically be released after serving his time and it would be up to a parole board to decide.

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