Victim's son's anger over murderer's application to go to funeral

A Teesside man whose mother was murdered 25 years ago says he's sickened by news that her killer has applied to be released from prison to attend a relative's funeral.

Kevin Hogg was only three when his mother, Julie, was murdered in 1989. Her body was discovered months later at her Billingham home by her own mother.

Billy Dunlop was charged with her murder and faced two trials but was acquitted on both occasions. While in jail for another offence, he told prison staff he'd strangled Julie, but under the laws then he couldn't be retried.

In their fight for justice, a young Kevin joined his grandparents Ann and Charlie Ming in a lengthy legal battle which finally resulted in Dunlop being jailed in 2006.

Their campaigning changed the double jeopardy law, which meant Dunlop became the first person to be retried for murder. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life.

Now, his victim's family say they face further agony after being told that Billy Dunlop has applied for permission from the prison authorities to attend of one of his relative's funerals.

Julie's son, Kevin, told ITV News that he is appalled.

In a statement, the Prison Service said: "Escorted visits by prisoners are subject to a strict risk assessment, which considers the likely effect on victims of their crimes."

It added: "Prisoners will not be allowed on an escorted visit if there is any threat posed to the public."

ITV News Tyne Tees understands that no decision on Dunlop's case has yet been.