Convicted Murderer Withdraws Parole Bid, Requests Transfer to Open Prison

William Dunlop, jailed for the 1989 murder of Julie Hogg, admits he remains unfit for release during a public parole hearing.

William Dunlop, convicted of murdering Julie Hogg in 1989, withdrew his application for parole and requested a transfer to open prison conditions during a public hearing.
Dunlop admitted he agreed with professional assessments deeming him unfit for release, citing his past instability and acknowledging the possibility he could have committed further murders if released earlier.
He expressed remorse for his actions, apologizing to the victim's family and acknowledging the long-lasting impact of his crime, though his comments visibly upset the family.
Dunlop was sentenced to life in 2006 after a landmark change to the double jeopardy law, driven by a 15-year campaign by the victim’s mother, Ann Ming, allowed him to be retried and convicted for the murder.
A decision on whether Dunlop will be moved to an open prison is pending, following the parole hearing where his offender manager noted progress in addressing risk factors such as violence and substance misuse.