William Dunlop, the first individual convicted under the reformed double jeopardy law in the United Kingdom, appeared before a parole panel this week as he seeks release or a transfer to an open prison. Dunlop, now 63, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years for the 1989 murder of Julie Hogg, 22, in Billingham, Co Durham.

Hogg was strangled and sexually assaulted at her home after she rejected Dunlop’s advances. Her body, which Dunlop concealed behind a bath panel, was discovered 80 days later by her mother, Ann Ming. Two juries had previously failed to convict Dunlop, but in 2006, following nearly two decades of campaigning by Ming to reform the double jeopardy law that barred retrials after acquittals, Dunlop became the first person in British history to be convicted of murder upon retrial. He pleaded guilty and was subsequently incarcerated.

At the parole hearing, Dunlop acknowledged the pain caused to Hogg’s family, drawing a parallel to his own experience of loss after the death of his son. “I totally get it now,” he said. Dunlop also expressed no regret over his confession, stating that he was “thankful” to Ming for pursuing the case as it prevented further harm. He told the panel he believed he would have committed additional acts of serious violence had he not been imprisoned, citing a history of violence beginning in childhood.

When questioned about his risk to the public, Dunlop denied presenting a danger and said he was more fearful of potential retaliation if released. A prison psychologist and an independent assessor both recommended his release, concluding that his risk of violence was low in custody but moderate in the community.

This marks Dunlop’s fourth application to review his case. Previous parole panels have supported transferring him to an open prison, but three successive justice secretaries have intervened to prevent such moves.

Hogg’s family remains firmly opposed to his release. Her son Kevin, who was three years old at the time of the murder, told the hearing the ongoing impact of the crime remains deeply painful. His grandmother, Ming, now 80, reiterated her determination to continue opposing Dunlop’s release, saying she would “keep fighting as long as I’m still here.”