The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Child killer Jon Venables claimed he was "possessed by the devil" when he tortured and murdered toddler James Bulger, according to reports.

The paedophile is said to have told prison guards as he waited to be sentenced for possessing more than 1,000 indecent images of children.

The now 35-year-old is currently on suicide watch after he pleased guilty and was jailed last week.

A prison source told the Daily Star Sunday: "Venables is regarded as a complete weirdo, even amongst other prisoners, who do not know his real identity.

"He has claimed that he was possessed by a demon or the devil when he was a boy and that was the reason why he killed Jamie Bulger."

(Image: PA)

"He also said that his memory of the killing is fragmented and he can only recall it as someone who witnessed the killing rather than an active participant," the source continued.

"But it’s all an act. He is very manipulative, even amongst other prisoners who have no idea who he is."

Venables was recalled to prison in November after being caught with the indecent images.

He pleaded guilty to four counts – including owning 392 category A images, 148 category B and 630 category C pictures.

Venables, who appeared via video link, also pleaded guilty to having a paedophile manual on or before November 17 last year.

He was jailed for 40 months.

(Image: PA)

Along with Robert Thompson, Venables abducted, tortured and killed two-year-old James in Liverpool when they were both aged 10.

They were released on licence in 2001 after serving eight years for the murder and were both given new identities.

James was out shopping with his mother Denise in Bootle, Liverpool on February 12, 1993 when he was abducted.

His mutilated body was found on a railway line three days later.

Mirror Online has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment.