Killer Billy Dunlop now as I Fought The Law brings harrowing true story to ITV

The gripping four-part drama, I Fought The Law, based on a heart-wrenching yet inspiring true story, is set to air on ITV on 31 August.

Sheridan Smith portrays the role of grieving mother Ann Ming, who embarked on a 17-year quest for justice after discovering her daughter Julie Hogg's lifeless body hidden beneath a bath in 1989.

Julie, a Billingham resident, was merely 22 when she was strangled at her home by Billy Dunlop, but two juries failed to deliver a verdict on his guilt.

Dunlop was shielded by the double jeopardy law, which barred someone from being retried for a crime they had been acquitted of.

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Nonetheless, Ann Ming dedicated herself to altering this archaic law so that serious criminals could face trial again if new evidence or a confession emerged, reports Chronicle Live.

A confession did indeed surface from Dunlop, who was serving time for an unrelated offence.

He bragged to a prison guard about apparently evading a murder conviction, but this damning evidence was used against him.

Ann Ming joined forces with a campaign to abolish the double jeopardy law and in 2001, the rule was reassessed by the Law Commission.

It was subsequently clarified that the Court of Appeal could mandate a retrial if there was fresh and compelling evidence implicating the acquitted individual.

Dunlop's conviction marked the first under the revised law, and in 2006 he confessed to murdering Julie.

He was handed a life sentence at the Central Criminal Court, with a minimum term of 17 years to be served before he could be considered for parole.

In March 2025, the Parole Board stated that Dunlop, now 61, could be moved to an open prison, but the government denied the request.

As per the BBC, the Parole Board expressed that it was "satisfied" Dunlop had made "sufficient progress" to reduce the risk he posed to the public.

However, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood blocked the transfer in April this year, with a Ministry of Justice spokesperson telling ITV: "Julie Hogg's murder was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with her friends and family.

"Public protection is our number one priority, which is why we have blocked William Dunlop's transfer to open prison."

I Fought The Law airs on ITV on August 31 at 9pm