Ann Ming, a mother of three, was an ordinary theatre nurse until a chilling November night in 1989 altered the course of her life forever.
Her daughter, Julie Hogg, 22 years old and a devoted mother to a young child, disappeared. Ann’s worst fears were realized when, 80 days later, Julie’s lifeless body was found concealed beneath the bath panel in her own home.
The subsequent inquiry uncovered significant miscarriages of justice. Despite compelling evidence, including the victim’s key under his floorboards and DNA traces, the prime suspect and neighbor, William ‘Billy’ Dunlop, evaded conviction twice due to jury indecision and the double jeopardy law.
Ann’s determination was sparked when Dunlop, while serving time for a separate crime, callously bragged about the murder. Fuelled by a sense of injustice, Ann embarked on a relentless campaign to challenge the legal system.
Dunlop admitted to strangling and concealing Julie’s body in Billingham, County Durham. Despite seeking release for a previous offense, he altered his application upon learning of a potential transfer to open conditions.
During a public Parole Board hearing, Dunlop, aged 61, confessed to selfish motives for his actions, rather than genuine remorse for the victim’s family.
Ann’s relentless advocacy led to the abolition of the double jeopardy law in 2005, with Dunlop subsequently becoming the first individual convicted under the revised legislation a year later.
Reflecting on his past actions, Dunlop acknowledged his violent past driven by personal failures and lack of coping mechanisms. He expressed remorse for the impact of his actions on Julie’s family and the irreparable damage caused by his violence.
Ann’s unwavering efforts reshaped the UK’s legal landscape, earning her recognition as an MBE for her remarkable contributions.
The poignant narrative of Ann’s struggle is portrayed in the ITV drama, “I Fought the Law,” featuring Sheridan Smith as Ann. The series delves into the emotional toll of grief, determination, and the enduring pursuit of closure.
Despite the perpetrator’s conviction, Ann continues to grapple with the lasting trauma, emphasizing that the repercussions of the tragedy are enduring.
Now in her late 70s, Ann remains vigilant in ensuring that her daughter’s killer faces the full consequences of his actions.
At Reach and our affiliated entities, we utilize cookies and other identifiers to enhance site experience, analyze usage patterns, and provide personalized ads. You can opt out of data sharing by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button. Your use of our services signifies acceptance of our cookie use and privacy practices detailed in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.