I FOUGHT THE LAW: FIRST LOOK IMAGES AND DOCUMENTARY ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ITV DRAMA STARRING SHERIDAN SMITH

ITV and Hera Pictures have today released first look images from I Fought The Law, a brand-new drama starring BAFTA winning actor Sheridan Smith. 

Sheridan portrays Ann Ming in the heart breaking and inspiring real-life story of a mother who, driven by unimaginable grief, finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter’s murderer finally brought to justice after a 15-year battle.  

Produced by Hera Pictures (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Mary & George, Hamnet, Temple, Honour) the four-part series is written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) and is based on Ann Ming’s book ‘For The Love of Julie’.  The series will launch the autumn season for ITV and STV and will be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.

The drama follows the tragic, moving, and deeply inspiring journey of the Ming family after the murder of their beloved 22-year-old daughter, Julie. In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and ensure the man responsible is brought to justice - despite initially seeming he will get away with murder. 

Driven by love, grief, and extraordinary determination, Ann and her family campaign tirelessly in Julie’s name. In her steadfast and indomitable style, Ann takes on the entire justice system - challenging the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, prominent defence barristers in television debates, the Government, the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, and two Home Secretaries - as she bravely ‘fought the law.’

As a consultant throughout the production process, Ann Ming commented on the television adaptation: “I am very pleased that ITV and Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and I wasn’t going to let this law stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”

On her role, playing Ann, Sheridan Smith commented: “I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed. She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”

The series also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves (Doctor Who), Olivia Ng (Phoenix Rise), Jake Davies (Grace), Victoria Wyant, Kent Riley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jack James Ryan (Passenger, Vera), Andrew Lancel (Unforgotten) and Rufus Jones (Hijack).

Hera Pictures produced the series in association with All3Media International.  The Executive Producers for Hera Pictures are Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber. The series is directed by Erik Richter Strand (The Crown) and produced by Mark Hedges (Time).

Produced by MultiStory Media the documentary, which is narrated by Sheridan Smith, takes a detailed look at the case from Julie’s disappearance in 1989 until the murderer was retried and jailed for life in 2006, becoming the first person convicted under the changed law.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Ann, her family and friends, retired police officers, and other key individuals close to the story, the documentary will also include rare archive and images that tell the story of one mother’s unwavering resolve to get justice for her daughter.

The documentary shows Ann’s extraordinary campaign, her unshakable determination, and how her fight for justice has since helped secure other landmark convictions, including those of Stephen Lawrence's killers.

All3Media International will be responsible for the international distribution of I Fought The Law and I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story documentary. 

I Fought The Law will air on ITV and STV and be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player this autumn, followed by I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story documentary.