The report had almost concluded when I got word from inside the court that the judge had agreed that the two boys should be publicly identified. I went back on air to name them. From that day, their names and their crimes would be synonymous. Many commentators have sought to explain the emotions unleashed by the Bulger murder and the subsequent trial. Liverpool is a city where family pride and loyalty know no peer.
Adults are passionately protective of children.
The Catholic faith informs much of the community's life. Real-life drama seems writ that much larger in Liverpool, which may explain something of its enormous talent for music, theatre and the other creative arts. But the James Bulger story is one drama the city still struggles to comprehend. Detectives make Thai murder breakthrough Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page.