[user104658]

There were elements that would be considered sexual assault (listed above) but its unlikely that the actual motivation was sexual excitement or gratification. Essentially, it's cruelty and curiosity combined with a lack of empathy.

Venables interest in child pornography now, if I had to guess, is actually the result of what is essentially psychological trauma. I have to be quick to add here (because I know that people won't like terms like that being used, and feel that it's making excuses) that when I say he's traumatised I don't mean that it's an excuse or even that there should be any sympathy for him; I'm talking in purely psychological terms here.

But yes... Basically, I still firmly believe that Thomson is sociopathic, completely, and all accounts of his behaviour back that up. Venables on the other hand, I think was more lead into it at the time (although obviously a willing participant) but has essentially been left psychologically broken by his crime.

Again ; not making excuses, he is clearly a highly dangerous individual.