THE mother of murdered pizza-delivery girl Julie Hogg is to address the Lords next month.

Ann Ming and her husband, Charlie, will travel to London on Wednesday. She will explain why she has campaigned for the ancient double jeopardy law to be scrapped so her daughter's self-confessed killer can be tried.

Labourer Billy Dunlop confessed to the Billingham mother's murder after two juries had failed to reach a verdict.

Under double jeopardy, no one can be tried twice for the same crime and, after his confession, Dunlop could only be convicted of perjury for lying in his original trial.

Backed by The Northern Echo, the Mings have campaigned for 14 years for the law to be changed retrospectively so Dunlop can face another jury. This change has been included in the Criminal Justice Bill that is being debated by the Lords.

Mrs Ming said: "I am glad I will get a chance to tell Julie's story and explain why double jeopardy should be scrapped.

"It looks like a decision will not be made until September but at least we are a step closer to justice for Julie."