THERE are clear signs that the message on the double jeopardy law is starting to hit home.

The Northern Echo is campaigning for a change in the law, which was enacted in the 13th Century, on the grounds that it is helping people to get away with murder.

The tragic case of murdered North-East woman Julie Hogg is a perfect example of how, in extreme circumstances, the law urgently requires greater flexibility.

Billy Dunlop was acquitted of the killing when he stood trial ten years ago. Since then he has confessed to the crime before a court, but the double jeopardy law prevents him from facing a jury again.

A confession in open court should be enough to at least open up the case again to examine whether justice has been denied.

This week, prisons minister Paul Boateng, during a debate in Westminster Hall, cited the Julie Hogg case when he told of a groundswell of MPs in favour of changing this archaic law.

Of course, great care has to be taken in making changes to a law which has been a cornerstone of the criminal justice system for centuries. There would have to be very strong grounds for trying someone twice and the difficulties to be faced in making decisions on individual cases will be complex and challenging.

That said, we believe a change must come and will come in the overall interests of justice.

And when it does come, Julie Hogg's mother Ann Ming, who has fought so hard to highlight the need for change, will deserve a great deal of the credit.