Award inspiration- the late Professor Jane Turner OBE DL.
PROFESSOR JANE TURNER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
Sponsored by Teesside University
2025
2025 WINNER ANN MING MBE
“ I didn’ t do any of it for recognition – I did it for justice for my daughter.”
The poignant words of double jeopardy law campaigner Ann Ming MBE came on a remarkable night at Hardwick Hall, with more than 370 people gathering for the eighth Tees Businesswomen Awards.
The annual event was made even more special by the attendance of Ann, whose fight in memory of her daughter Julie saw a change in the law after her killer initially escaped justice and was recently dramatised in the TV series I Fought the Law, in which her pivotal role was played by Sheridan Smith.
And those attending rose as one when it was revealed that guest of honour Ann, originally from Billingham and now living in Norton, would receive the prestigious Professor Jane Turner Award.
The emotion was palpable as Ann told the audience:“ When my daughter’ s killer was bragging that he’ d killed her and the police said nothing could be done, an 800-year-old law wasn’ t going to stand in my way.”
And speaking afterwards to Tees Business, Ann admitted she had“ no idea” she was getting the award – which, given its links with its former pro vicechancellor, was sponsored by Teesside University and presented by Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer in enterprise and knowledge exchange at the university’ s International Business School.
She said:“ I thought the lady presenting it was going to talk about Teesside University – I never dreamed it was going to be me. I got the shock of my life!
“ But I didn’ t do any of it for recognition – I did it for justice for my daughter. Every time there’ s a double jeopardy case – and there’ ve been 16 after ours – I’ m so pleased I carried on for everyone else’ s sake.
“ I knew that the law had to be looked
Winner – Ann Ming, right, with Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer in enterprise and knowledge exchange at Teesside University’ s International Business School.
at and changed. I’ m glad I did it, despite the knock-backs from different politicians along the way.”
Ann said she never felt like giving up her fight but admitted frustration when barriers emerged.
She said:“ It often felt like one step forward, two steps back – every politician who opposed it, I thought,‘ Dear me, I’ ll have to write to them’.
“ My MP at the time, Frank Cook, was good because he kept me in touch with who was opposing it when they were doing smaller debates. I thought to myself,‘ I’ m going to stick at it and try to win them around’.”
Ann says she agreed to contribute to various TV documentaries to keep the issue in the public eye.
And of I Fought the Law, she smiled:“ There were only four episodes, but 17 years of my life were packed into them.
“ I was pleased with it because they couldn’ t have got anyone better than Sheridan Smith to play me – even I thought she was me at some points!
“ She portrayed it very well – and it made you see that even if you’ re just an ordinary person like me, if you stick at something, you can do things you maybe don’ t think possible.”
And although she couldn’ t attend the ceremony, a message from Sheridan Smith was read out on the night. She said:“ It was an honour to play Ann in I Fought the Law.
“ Not only is she a formidable woman and has shown great determination in changing the double jeopardy law so that she could get justice for her beloved Julie, along with 16 other families, the drama only shows a small amount of the heartache that Ann and her family have endured. And yet they all continue to fight for justice.
“ Over the last two years, Ann and I have bonded and our friendship has made us part of each other’ s lives. Not only have Ann and her grandson Kevin welcomed me into their family, but they are both part of mine.
“ I’ m sorry that I couldn’ t be present tonight. I want to congratulate all the winners and finalists. You should all be proud of the work that you have achieved.”
Ann was also quick to express her admiration for all the women honoured by the awards. She said:“ It just shows how many strong women there are on Teesside.”
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer in enterprise and knowledge exchange, Teesside University International Business School: Ann Ming’ s story is a Teesside story. It’ s a story of grit, love and never backing down – the qualities that define our region at its best. She is, quite simply, an inspiration … to every parent, every campaigner, every person who has ever been told,“ You can’ t”. It is with immense pride that we honour her with this award.
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