Is I Fought the Law based on a true story? ITV show explained

• I Fought the Law continues on ITV tonight (September 1).
• BAFTA-winner Sheridan Smith leads the cast.
• But is it based on a true story?

ITV’s latest drama will continue in just a few hours. Viewers will be able to catch another episode of I Fought the Law this evening.

Sheridan Smith leads the cast of the show, in her latest starring turn. She is a BAFTA award winning actor.

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It has helped kick-off ITV’s autumn slate of dramas. The show will be broadcast at 9pm tonight (September 1) and is available on ITVX/ STV Player as well.

Is I Fought the Law based on a true story?

The show is inspired by one woman’s campaign to over-turn the double jeopardy law. Ann Ming took on the battle after the murder of her daughter Julia in 1989.

The law was over 800 years old and it took nearly 20 years for the family to see true justice. She documented the struggle in the non-fiction book For the Love of Julie.

Ann said: “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.”

ITV to air documentary about the case

I Fought the Law will be followed by a documentary about the case. It is called I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story.

It will be narrated by Sheridan Smith and 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.

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