William Dunlop, now 61, strangled Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989 and hid her mutilated body behind a bath panel where it lay undiscovered for more than two months
The Government has intervened to prevent a murderer who killed a pizza delivery woman from being transferred to an open prison, despite the Parole Board’s recommendation.
William Dunlop, now 61, was responsible for the death of Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, back in 1989. He strangled her and concealed her disfigured body behind a bath panel, where it remained hidden for over two months.
Dunlop had violently sexually assaulted the 22 year old mother of a three year old son after she spurned his advances, in what was described by prosecutors as a “premeditated and truly horrendous” crime. Although the Parole Board suggested he should be moved, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has halted the transfer.
The family of Miss Hogg expressed their relief to the BBC, praising Ms Mahmood for placing “truly put victims at the heart of the system”. They stated: “The decision to refuse the parole board’s recommendation is the right decision for public safety.”
Initially, Dunlop had sought release into the community but retracted his request last year, claiming he would adapt better to the regime of an open prison.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice commented: “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.”
Known as Billy, Dunlop faced trial twice for the murder, but on both occasions, the juries were unable to come to a unanimous decision. Three years on, while serving time for a different offence, he confessed to his lies in court and bragged that due to the double jeopardy rule then in effect, no one could touch him.
Ann Ming, Miss Hogg’s mother, fought tirelessly for 15 years to alter the centuries-old law, enabling a person to be charged twice for the same crime. In 2006, he made history as the first individual to face trial under the revised regulations. He was subsequently found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.