The story of Billy Dunlop combines crime, tragedy, and legal reform. Formally known as William “Billy” Dunlop, he murdered Julie Hogg in 1989. His crime shocked the community, but the bigger shock came when the legal system failed to convict him.
Thanks to the determination of Julie’s mother, Ann Ming, Britain later reformed its double jeopardy law. Today, when people search for terms like “Billy Dunlop now” or even “Billy Dunlop funeral”, they uncover not only a killer’s story but also one of the most important legal battles in modern UK history.
Who Was Billy Dunlop?
William “Billy” Dunlop grew up in Billingham, County Durham. He worked as a labourer but often got into trouble. His record included petty crimes and violent outbursts. He lived just a short distance from Julie Hogg, a 22-year-old pizza delivery driver with her whole life ahead of her.
Therefore, when Julie went missing, suspicion soon circled around Dunlop. His background made him a known figure to the police, and his reputation for violence added weight to those suspicions.
The Murder of Julie Hogg
On November 16, 1989, tragedy struck. Billy Dunlop killed Julie Hogg by strangling her inside her own home. Afterwards, he hid her body behind a bathroom panel.
Julie’s family searched desperately, but months passed without answers. Finally, in February 1990, her remains were discovered. This heartbreaking discovery confirmed the family’s worst fears and marked the start of a painful legal journey.
Justice Denied: The Early Trials
Police quickly gathered forensic evidence. Dunlop’s fingerprints appeared on Julie’s keys, and fibers matched between his belongings and items at the crime scene.
However, both trials in 1991 ended without a verdict. The juries could not agree, so Dunlop walked free. At that time, the double jeopardy rule stopped prosecutors from trying him again.
As a result, Julie’s family had to watch him return home, even though strong evidence suggested his guilt. The justice system failed them in the most devastating way.
A Chilling Confession Behind Bars
In 1998, while serving time for assault, Dunlop confessed. He told a prison officer exactly how he killed Julie and where he hid her body. The confession left no doubt.
Even so, prosecutors could not charge him again for murder. The double jeopardy law still blocked a retrial. Instead, the court convicted him of perjury for lying under oath in his earlier trials. He received six more years in prison.
This loophole outraged Julie’s mother. She decided that if the law would not deliver justice, she would fight to change the law itself.
Ann Ming’s Relentless Campaign
Ann Ming launched a 15-year campaign for legal reform. She gave interviews, met politicians, and refused to let her daughter’s case fade from memory.
Her campaign gained momentum, and more people supported her call for justice. She argued that victims’ families deserved better and that new evidence should allow retrials.
Because of her relentless work, Ann became a national symbol of strength. Her campaign transformed grief into a driving force for legal change.
Reforming the Double Jeopardy Law
In 2003, Britain passed the Criminal Justice Act. This landmark law allowed retrials in serious cases like murder if new and convincing evidence came forward.
The reform directly resulted from Ann Ming’s campaign. She proved that a determined citizen could influence the highest levels of government. In fact, her fight reshaped British legal history.
Conviction Under the New Law
In 2006, Billy Dunlop became the first person retried for murder under the new double jeopardy law. This time, the evidence and his confession left no room for doubt. Dunlop pleaded guilty to murdering Julie Hogg.
The court sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years. At last, Julie’s family achieved the justice they had waited for.
Where Is Billy Dunlop Now?
People often ask: “Where is Billy Dunlop now?”
As of 2025, he remains in a high-security prison. After serving his minimum term, Dunlop requested a transfer to an open prison. He expressed remorse and claimed shame for his actions.
However, the Justice Secretary blocked the transfer. Ann Ming and the public opposed his request, arguing that he still posed a danger. Rumors about a Billy Dunlop funeral appear online, but they are not true—Dunlop is alive and continues to serve his sentence.
Cultural and Legal Legacy
The case of William “Billy” Dunlop left deep marks on both culture and law:
- Legal change: His case proved why reform was needed. The double jeopardy law now allows retrials in extraordinary situations.
- Cultural attention: ITV’s I Fought the Law dramatized Ann Ming’s story, highlighting the emotional toll and her heroic persistence.
- Public awareness: The case reminded society that justice depends on laws evolving with time and evidence.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime | Murder of Julie Hogg (1989) |
| Acquittal | Two trials in 1991 ended without verdict |
| Confession | Confessed in 1998 while in prison |
| Law Reformed | Double jeopardy law changed in 2003 |
| Conviction | Convicted in 2006 under new law |
| Current Status | Still in prison; attempts for open transfer blocked |
Conclusion
The story of Billy Dunlop is more than a record of crime. It shows how one family, led by a determined mother, forced the justice system to change.
Ann Ming’s fight made Britain fairer and stronger. While Dunlop remains in prison, his name will always connect to both a terrible crime and a groundbreaking legal reform. For those who wonder “Billy Dunlop now” or speculate about his death, the truth is clear: he is still alive, still imprisoned, and still a reminder of how justice had to be rebuilt.
