I Fought the Law true story: Where is William Dunlop now?

This week, ITV contributes to its collection of dramatized pursuit-of-justice stories with “I Fought the Law,” a tense and frequently heart-wrenching portrayal of Ann Ming’s endeavor to reform an 800-year-old law, commonly known as double jeopardy.

According to her memoir “For the Love of Julie,” the limited series delicately explores the murder of Julie Hogg, a 22-year-old daughter, the subsequent search for the perpetrator, and the 15-year journey to legally prove his guilt in court.

Additionally, Ming’s contributions were evident in its creation, and it seems to more accurately reflect reality compared to many others. Here is a summary of the true events that transpired, detailing the tragedy and its ensuing legal conflict.

I Fought the Law true story

What happened to Julie Hogg?

On a November morning in 1989, after repeatedly trying and failing to reach Julie, Ann discovered that she had missed a court date for seeking separation from her estranged husband Andrew. As a result, Ann filed a report stating that Julie was missing.

At first, authorities assumed that Julie had left voluntarily and even speculated she might have deserted her son Kevin to relocate to London. However, it took them several days to delve deeper into the matter. After searching Julie’s home for nearly a week, they couldn’t locate any clues about her whereabouts, leading the case to eventually stagnate.

Approximately two months later, Andrew felt compelled to revisit the family residence where he was struck by an unusual scent. Given her medical knowledge, Ann immediately identified the odor and upon removing a bath panel, she made the devastating discovery of her daughter’s lifeless body, wrapped in a blanket and lying naked. A subsequent autopsy revealed that she had been both sexually assaulted and strangled.

Who was William Dunlop?

Following the elimination of Andrew, the police focused their investigation on and eventually charged William Dunlop, a builder’s laborer who happened to be visiting a friend neighboring Julie on the night she vanished. Interestingly, he had also been involved in a violent assault at a rugby club only a few hours prior.

In a different phraseology: The prosecution contended that Dunlop, who was believed to have known the victim from past interactions, had telephoned with an intent to engage in sexual activities. However, when she rejected his advances, he intentionally and brutally carried out a horrifying attack instead.

In Ann’s opinion, there was a considerable amount of proof connecting Dunlop to the crime, such as finding Julie’s house keys under his floorboards. However, during his first trial in 1991, the jury wasn’t able to reach a consensus verdict regarding his guilt. The Mings’ distress deepened later that year when the same prosecution team failed to persuade another jury of his wrongdoing, ultimately leading to his acquittal.

What happened next?

In 1997, Dunlop was found guilty of another offense – attacking his pregnant girlfriend with a toaster fork and physically assaulting her boyfriend. He was sentenced to serve seven years in prison. During his imprisonment, he admitted to a prison official that he was also responsible for the murder of Julie. In a later police interview, recorded on tape, he explained, “She began making fun of me because I had a black eye and my eye was swollen. It infuriated me, and I snapped, standing up and choking her to death.

A man named Dunlop, known for his violent past, assumed he was shielded by double jeopardy – a British law that prevents re-trial for the same crime. However, he didn’t account for a mother who had been compensated £20,000 by the Cleveland police force due to their handling of her daughter’s case. This mother was relentless in her pursuit for justice on behalf of her deceased child.

How was justice eventually served?

In 2003, Dunlop was found guilty of perjury due to a recording of his confession. However, it wasn’t until a change in the double jeopardy law in 2005 that he could stand trial for the actual murder. Following his admission to killing Julie, he received a life sentence and was ordered to serve at least 17 additional years in prison.

After assuming the role with the Crown Prosecution Service, meeting with Home Secretary Jack Straw, and delivering an emotional address at the House of Lords, Ann played a significant part in bringing about the amendment. However, it is important to clarify that she was not backed by a large legal team, as many believed; this was accomplished through her own relentless dedication. Furthermore, Ann’s unyielding perseverance has led to at least a dozen additional convictions, including one of the individuals involved in the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Where is William Dunlop now?

2025 found me, Dunlop, facing the disappointment of being denied transfer to an open prison, despite the Parole Board’s recommendation that I pose a minimal risk of absconding. The decision was made by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who prioritized public protection in her decision-making process, as conveyed by her spokesperson: “Protecting the public is our topmost concern.

During the hearing, Dunlop acknowledged himself as someone previously brutal, hideous, and uncaring, possibly responsible for similar heinous acts if not confined. Yet, he asserted his transformation into a remorseful individual, deeply sorry for his past actions. The Ming family expressed their joy at the verdict and thanked Mahmood for prioritizing the victims in the judicial process.

Where is Ann Ming now?

In 2007, Ann received an MBE in recognition of her contributions to the criminal justice system. Regrettably, Charles Ming, who had supported her tirelessly during her efforts to change the law, passed away in 2013 after battling Parkinson’s and dementia for a significant period.

Even though Ann is about to turn 80, she has firmly declared her intent to carry on doing everything in her power to prevent Dunlop from being freed. To the BBC, she expressed, “I wouldn’t wish upon another family the turmoil that he has caused for ours.

2025-08-31 10:36