William Dunlop, a convicted murderer, will not be transferred to an open prison despite a recommendation by the Parole Board. Dunlop was initially jailed for strangling 22-year-old Julie Hogg and concealing her body in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989. He was eventually sentenced to life in 2006 after juries had previously failed to find him guilty in two separate trials.
Despite the Parole Board deeming Dunlop as a low risk for absconding, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has decided to block his move to open conditions. The Ministry of Justice emphasized that public protection is their top priority, leading to the refusal of Dunlop’s transfer.
Julie Hogg’s family campaigned for a change in the law after Dunlop claimed to a prison guard that he had gotten away with the murder. The change in legislation ultimately led to Dunlop’s conviction. In response to the decision to block his transfer, Ms. Hogg’s family expressed their relief and praised Mahmood for prioritizing victims in the legal system to ensure public safety.
Ann Ming, Julie Hogg’s mother, discovered her daughter’s body three months after her murder and has been deeply affected by the crime ever since. She attended the panel hearing regarding Dunlop’s potential move and adamantly believes that he should not be released. In a BBC interview, she emphasized the ongoing impact of the crime on her family, stating that they are enduring a perpetual “life sentence” as a result of Dunlop’s actions. Despite Dunlop’s claims of remorse and personal growth, Ms. Ming remains steadfast in her belief that he should not be granted freedom
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