William Dunlop, 61, who murdered pizza delivery woman Julie Hogg in 1989, has been blocked from moving to an open prison by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, despite a Parole Board recommendation. Dunlop strangled the 22-year-old mother in Billingham, County Durham, after she rejected him, then hid her mutilated body behind a bath panel, where it remained undiscovered for over two months.
Prosecutors described the attack as “premeditated and truly horrendous”. Dunlop initially sought release into the community but withdrew that application last year, stating he would be better suited to open prison conditions. The Parole Board supported the transfer, but the Justice Secretary intervened to block it.
Julie Hogg’s family expressed their relief, telling the BBC they were “elated” and that Ms Mahmood had “truly put victims at the heart of the system”. They added: “The decision to refuse the parole board’s recommendation is the right decision for public safety.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “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.”
Dunlop, known as Billy, was tried twice for the murder but both juries failed to reach a verdict. Three years later, while in jail for another crime, he confessed and boasted that the double jeopardy rule prevented him from being retried. His confession led to a 15-year campaign by Julie’s mother, Ann Ming, to change the law. In 2006, Dunlop became the first person convicted under the new double jeopardy rules.
