For the Love of Julie: A Nightmare Come True. A Mother's Courage. A Desperate Fight for Justice.

by Ann Ming

In this incredible and moving memoir, a mother tells of her fight for justice to convict her daughter's murderer for a crime that he thought could never be punished. When her 22-year-old daughter, Julie, went missing in the night, Ann Ming was certain she had been murdered. Liaising with the police, looking after Julie's beloved three-year-old son, Ann waited desperately for news. Three months later she found her child's decomposing body behind a bath panel. A violent local man, Billy Dunlop, was tried for her murder but a series of blunders allowed him to walk free. Knowing he could not be tried again under the law of Double Jeopardy, he callously bragged about his 'perfect crime'. But Dunlop had not reckoned on Ann Ming! This is the extraordinary story of a fight for justice which she never gave up. A moving account of courage and determination, showing how much a mother's love can achieve.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Biography, Crime

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ceasars · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this incredible and moving memoir, a mother tells of her fight for justice to convict her daughter's murderer for a crime that he thought could never be punished. When her 22-year-old daughter, Julie, went missing in the night, Ann Ming was certain she had been murdered. Liaising with the police, looking after Julie's beloved three-year-old son, Ann waited desperately for news. Three months later she found her child's decomposing body behind a bath panel. A violent local man, Billy Dunlop, was tried for her murder but a series of blunders allowed him to walk free. Knowing he could not be tried again under the law of Double Jeopardy, he callously bragged about his 'perfect crime'. But Dunlop had not reckoned on Ann Ming! This is the extraordinary story of a fight for justice which she never gave up. A moving account of courage and determination, showing how much a mother's love can achieve.

I was really touched, by this book, how horrible can your life be! I even cried a little. It's soooooo sad!!!

[Tem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I predominantly read for relaxation, I usually tend to avoid books like this, especially stories with unresolved cases. I was initially captivated by the short title “For the Love of Julie” and even more so by the blurb within.
Ann Ming writes a compelling memoir about the events that lead to her youngest daughter Julie being killed, and the many obstacles she faced in attempting to get restitution for the murder.
Through the many debacles and the ineptitude of the UK police (in that time) Julie’s killer walks away free at trial, and is later heard boasting about it down at the local pub. This is when Ann encounters the ‘’Double Jeopardy” law. Double Jeopardy is a procedural defence that forbids a defendant from being tried twice for the same crime on the same set of facts.
From that point on Ann had a focus, she would devote all her attention (almost all of her remaining life) to either seeing the killer locked away for life, or she would get the 'Double Jeopardy' law changed. This is what makes the story even more extraordinary is that through Anne’s perseverance, sacrifices and determination she ultimately influence the changes to the Double Jeopardy law in the UK, as well as changes to police investigative procedures and interactions with victim’s family. Ann Ming is a ordinary mother, with a humble life, it is hard to believe the impact she made upon UK’s laws however everything she accomplished at the end she did for the love of Julie.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing. I couldn't put it down, the only thing that freaked me out was finding her under the bath. This put me off having a bath for a good few months (although I did have a shower instead).

[Debra Govier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Ming's 22 year old daughter went missing, and after a long search, was eventually found to have been murdered.
The killer, a local thug was charged with her murder, but because of police failings during the search, a judge set him free.
But Ann and her husband Charlie were determined to see their daughter's killer jailed, although it looked like an impossible task...

I have recently watched the TV drama based on the book, and it was compelling viewing.

[Glenys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching story of a young mum who was brutally murdered. Her mother's determination to bring the murderer to justice and overturn the archaic double jeopardy law which prevented his being convicted when he bragged about the murder he had committed because the original trial saw him acquitted of the charges. Ann Ming left no stone unturned in getting justice for her daughter Julie, she also received an MBE in recognition of her services to the criminal justice system.

[Carole Swanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So courageous

What a truly brave lady Ann Ming is. A heartfelt story of a family going to hell and back but never wavering from their goal.

[Rebecca Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book it proves that anything can happen when you don't give up

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book. A remarkable, inspiring, and brave woman and her family who changed the law . It's a very emotional read, a truly amazing woman and mother.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Ming, the woman you are! We just watched “I Fought the Law” on itv and the story was moving beyond words but the book was even better. Ann’s daughter was murdered in 1989 and her killer acquitted despite admitting his guilt, so she spent the next 17 years working tirelessly to change the law and eventually got him! What an absolute inspiration not ever to give up on fighting for what you believe in.

[Mrs T J Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Ann Ming is an inspirational woman who got justice for her daughter after many setbacks. I admire her for working so hard to change the double jeopardy law.

[Manda O'connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, evocative and awe-inspiring account of a mother’s campaign for justice for her daughter!

A raw, evocative and awe-inspiring account of a mother’s determination to bring her daughter’s killer to justice despite a catastrophically bungled police investigation, incompetent mistrial with barely awake jurors, and a dismissal of the re-trial with a second jury despite overwhelmingly damning evidence because they failed to agree after only 5 hours, leaving the killer back on the streets and free to terrorise, injure and threaten others - and boast that he had ‘got away with it’! But Ann Ming faced and pursued retribution for that evil, over the years and through the highest courts of the land even to successfully challenging and changing the law. Until her daughter’s killer could finally be brought to justice.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is shockingly sad although also very interesting being such an historical and landmark case as well. It was amazing to be behind-the-scenes during a missing person's investigation and in this particular case the catalogue of error and slapdash behaviour by the police investigators and then the way the law treated the family were beyond belief !!
I remembered the case myself and I knew the double jeopardy nonsense had been repealed but I hadn't connected the two. Good for Ann and Charlie for never giving up and ensuring that justice was at last achieved for their daughter......even though it took seventeen years !!
The way Ann related the discovery of Julie's body was heartstopping stuff and also devastatingly sad. It should never have been the case. It reads like a fiction tale and you need to keep reminding yourself that this stuff actually happened !!
The fact that in the first trial jurors fell asleep should have meant they were excluded and I still didn't understand why the second verdict occurred after only 5 hours when some juries deliberate for days. How was the judge allowed to get away with that ??
I didn't like American spellings were chosen throughout the book-not sure why they did this-idolized, realized, apologized....and I spotted dying and not dyeing but they were the only things I picked up on. It's an extremely well written book indeed and is a real page-turner.
I read updates on the family online and was sorry to hear about Charlie though I'm pleased he was able to keep his promise to his girl. It's sad too how Kevin has had his own issues as well in latter years. What a great shame.

[Sam Woodfield]

This is a truly heartwarming story of one mothers battle to obtain justice for her daughter in the most horrific of circumstances. Ann Ming shows great courage in the very honest and raw telling of her story, and shows that anyone, from any walk of life, can achieve what seems unachievable when they truly put their mind to it and the cause is a good one. Mings story is truly inspiring in many ways and I was so pleased to read that her mission was not in vain and justice prevailed. This really is an emotional and inspiring read.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing true account.

What happened to Ann is not only every mother's worst nightmare, but what followed was years of mental torture until justice could be meted out.
Her account of her life since November 1989 is harrowing but also admirable. I could only hope that I would have her strength and courage if I ever as to go through something like she did. There but for the grace of the gods, go I.

[Jenny Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

What a horrible situation for the family but wow what a woman Ann Ming is! She fought with everything she had and is amazing in my eyes! I am 37 and grew up in Billingham I remember my mam telling me about it but reading Ann's story broke my heart for them all but WOW honestly what an amazing woman she is!

[Hayley Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. A mother’s determination to bring her daughter’s killer to justice. I love a true story and this didn’t disappoint. The fact that it was based in the UK too made it even more of an interesting read for me. Lots of different emotions reading this one too.

[Tabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing a families courage to bring a killer to justice. loved it

[Fiona McPherson Tuckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, simple and poignant book. Some of what has happened is just horrendous, but Julie’s mother’s bravery and love are in stark contrast to the horrific tragedy.

[Hannah Whittingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book! It was a fantastic read that I recommend to so many. Gave me goosebumps in parts and is a book you just can't put down. Truly gripping and well written.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sad and poignant, crime which is local to myself and so heartbreaking as a parent myself. Ann is so amazing all the fight she has x

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

The double jeopardy law had remained unchanged for more than eight centuries. It’s whole reason d’etre is to give some protection to defendants to the prosecutors can’t continually return to court for countless retrials on criminal matters. It’s really as it should, or is it, because there are always exceptions to the rule.

When Ann Mings daughter Julie went missing, what followed was a catalogue of disasters. That is enough for any grieving family to deal with, so when you add into the mix the fact that two murder trials ended in no verdict being reached and the judge having to acquit the accused, it’s difficult to even begin to imagine what the family must have gone through.

The real crux of the story begins when Ann decides that one of her two options would be to try and get the double jeopardy law changed. It’s a story of belief, tenacity, grit and determination.

What an amazing woman Ann is, so many would have given up (or simply not had the energy or will to even start this remarkable journey). My heart breaks for all she and her family went through, but it bursts with pride to know how hard she fought to get justice. The world needs more Ann’s in it!

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can parents deal with loosing a child? Worse still living after that child has been brutally murdered, violently and sexually assaulted and then hidden for 3 months! While the police take on the aspects of the 'key stone cops' , bungling every aspect of the investigation, leaving the mother to be the one to discover her body in the very place that the police spent a week searching? This story was about the love of a mother who went to the ends of the earth and back to find her child's murderer and make sure he was convicted. About fighting against an 800year old law and winning. It was an extraordinary story told by an amazing woman.

[Caroline Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Read in a day!

An incredible and moving story of tragedy and courage, a truly inspiring book that takes you through every public and personal twist and turn.

Ann Ming's family's fight to achieve justice for her daughter's murder, despite overwhelming evidence of the guilt of Billy Dunlop, was a 17 year battle against police incompetence, and a battle to stop her personal trauma overcoming her, that led to her having to overturn the 800 year old double jeopardy law to gain justice. In the end, "The first man in Britain to be retried for a crime in 800 years had been found guilty ". She was rightly awarded an MBE

[Bill Boswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie was the daughter of Ann Ming and was horrifically abused and murdered, but due to the inept police and then the judicial system, her killer was never convicted

He hten continued to abuse people and even brag about how he killed Julie and got away with it because of Double Jeopardy statute

This follows Ann's relentless challenge to get the law reconsidered and get her daughter's killer convicted for murder.

The fact that this is a true story makes it at time a hard read, especially as she is constantly let down by the police to the extent she feels the killer has more rights than her late daughter

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and heart breaking, Ann Mings fight to bring her daughters murderer to justice is truly inspiring. Mrs Mings love for her daughter Julie Hogg, shines through on every page. There is a brutal honesty in this account of the reality of murder and its lasting effects on not only the victims loved ones but the community as a whole.

Ann Mings determination never to give up on Justice for Julie lead to the repeal of the double jeopardy law in England. If ever there is proof that one woman can truly make a difference, it is in this book.

[Holly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting.

Ann Ming is a phenomenal woman, campaigner and writer. It’s bittersweet that we learn about how remarkable she is only because of the multiple tragedies she endured.

Her writing is easy going, but never dull. I laughed out loud at some of the anecdotes about her earlier years, and sobbed uncontrollably at the later ones. She’s unflinchingly honest about her violent outbursts, and the unflattering facts about Julie in the months up to her death.

I’ve read this on the 30th December, and did not expect it to become my book of the year.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads almost like a case study in all the things that can go wrong in a murder case, told from the point of view of the person taking it on the chin, over and over, from so many different angles I don't even know how these people got through it. It's an incredible story about taking the system by the lapels, turning it upside down and shaking it until the final result falls out at your feet. Page 272 left me in tears. Don't miss this powerful story.

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable woman

This mother's fight for justice after the murder of her daughter of course makes uncomfortable reading. However, as an example of how an ordinary person can make history with enough determination it is an important book. Unimaginable torture for a mother but Ann Ming just never gave up until she had succeeded.

[Justine Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting to read, I thought that because it was nonfiction it would be boring. I like how the author which is the mother flips back and forth between her daughters upbringing and the present, and how she was coping at the time. It was also nice to see that she was able to get justice for her daughter, but it was definitely a struggle!

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an account of the trials that Ann Ming, and her husband Charlie, went through following the murder of their daughter in 1989.

This is as much a look at how the police failed Julie and her family by failing to properly look for her when she first went missing as it is about the pain her family and friends endured.

A powerful read.