I Fought the Law kicked off on Sunday 31st August on ITV, telling the devastating true story of Ann Ming - a mother who took on the legal system after the brutal murder of her daughter, Julie, in 1989. This powerful new drama explores a real-life fight for justice that spanned nearly two decades, and changed British law forever.
When police initially failed to take the case seriously, it was Ann herself who eventually uncovered the horrifying truth. What followed was a relentless 17-year battle to hold the killer accountable. It took Ann all the way to the House of Lords, as she fought to overturn the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law.
Based on Ann Ming’s 2008 memoir For the Love of Julie, the four-part series dives deep into this extraordinary story of loss, courage, and legal reform. The drama stars Sheridan Smith as Ann, alongside Daniel York Loh and a stellar supporting cast. Episodes air on Sunday and Monday on ITV1 and are also available to stream in full on ITVX.
As the true-crime series continues, here’s everything you need to know about the cast of I Fought the Law, the real people behind the characters - plus where you might have seen the actors before.
I Fought the Law cast and character guide
- Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming
- Daniel York Loh as Charlie Ming
- Enzo Cilenti as DS Mark Braithwaite
- Victoria Wyant as Julie Hogg
- Marlowe Chan-Reeves
- Olivia Ng as Angela Ming
- Jake Davies as Matthew
- Kent Riley as DI Keith Arnold
- Jack James Ryan as William 'Billy' Dunlop
- Andrew Lancel as Guy Whitburn
- Rufus Jones as Lord Goldsmith
- Aimée Kelly as Judith Morden
- Bryony Corrigan as WPC Elliot
- Buddy Wignall-Ho as (young) Kevin
- Harry Jones as Kevin
For more on the main cast of I Fought the Law, keep scrolling...
Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming
Who is Ann Ming? Ann Ming is the central figure in I Fought The Law, which follows the fall-out of her daughter's murder and the legal fight to bring her killer to justice.
What else has Sheridan Smith been in? Cilla, Mrs Biggs, Four Lives, Gavin and Stacey, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Teacher, The Royle Family, Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything.
Daniel York Loh as Charlie Ming
Who is Charlie Ming? Charlie Ming (who passed away in 2013) was the husband of Ann Ming and father to their murdered daughter, Julie Hogg.
What else has Daniel York Loh been in? Strangers, The Beach, The Receptionist, Jade Dragon, Scarborough, Rogue Trader.
Victoria Wyant as Julie Hogg
Who is Julie Hogg? Julie Hogg was Ann Ming's daughter, she was tragically murdered in 1989.
What else has Victoria Wyant been in? My Fault: London, Foundation, Primate.
Marlowe Chan-Reeves as Gary Hogg
Who is Gary Hogg? Gary Hogg is Ann Ming's son, he is also the brother of Julie Hogg.
What else has Marlowe Chan-Reeves been in? Doctor Who, Shetland, Goodnight Moon.
Olivia Ng as Angela Ming
Who is Angela Ming? Angela is Ann and Charlie's daughter and Julie's sister.
What else has Olivia Ng been in? The actress previously starred in Phoenix Rise.
Enzo Cilenti as DS Mark Braithwaite
Who is DS Mark Braithwaite? DS Mark Braithwaite helps investigate the case of Julie Hogg.
What else has Enzo Cilenti been in? The Serpent Queen, The Last Tycoon, Greed, Next of Kin, Domina, Luther, Game of Thrones, Guardians of the Galaxy, Wolf Hall.
Jake Davies as Matthew
Who is Matthew? Matthew is Julie's ex partner. They have a son together named Kevin.
What else has Jake Davies been in? Davies' previous TV appearances, include roles in The Missing, A Confession and Screw.
Kent Riley as DI Keith Arnold
Who is Keith Arnold? Arnold is the detective inspector who is leading the investigation into Julie's murder.
What else has Kent Riley been in? Riley is known for his appearances in Hollyoaks, Hollyoaks Later and Intergalactic.
Andrew Lancel as Guy Whitburn
Who is Guy Whitburn? Guy Whitburn is a QC.
What else has Andrew Lancel been in? Lancel is best known for The Bill and ITV soap Coronation Street.
Rufus Jones as Lord Goldsmith
Who is Lord Goldsmith? To get the Double Jeopardy Law changed, Ann had to present her case to Attorney General Lord Goldsmith and other members of the House of Lords.
What else has Rufus Jones been in? Viewers might recognise Jones from W1A, Hunderby and Camping.
Jack James Ryan as William 'Billy' Dunlop
Who is William 'Billy' Dunlop? William 'Billy' Dunlop was a labourer who lived near Julie Hogg. In November 1989, Dunlop sexually assaulted Julie and strangled her to death.
What else has Jack James Ryan been in? Jack James Ryan is known for appearing in ITV soap Coronation Street and Vera.
ITV's I Fought The Law airs on ITV1 on Sundays and Mondays at 9pm. All four episodes are now available to stream on ITVX.
