CAMPAIGNING mother Ann Ming has cautiously welcomed the pledge in the Queen's Speech to scrap the double jeopardy rule.

Mrs Ming, backed by The Northern Echo's Criminal Injustic campaign, has been fighting for legislation which would ensure that the self-confessed killer of her daughter, Julie Hogg, can be jailed.

While in prison for another crime, Billy Dunlop admitted killing Julie but, because two juries had failed to reach a verdict, he could not be retried.

The Government will attempt to introduce laws allowing retrials for those acquitted of serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery, where new and compelling evidence emerges. The changes are expected to be retrospective.

The end of double jeopardy reflects the Government's intention to rebalance the justice system in favour of the victims of crime.

Mrs Ming said: "I am pleased we have reached this next stage in the fight, but there is still a way to go."

Civil liberties groups have condemned the move, saying the foundations of British justice will be eroded.

The Bar Council's Matthias Kelly said: "This is a dark day for the justice system. Ministers now face a battle royal in Parliament over these proposals."

He said double jeopardy reform would allow police to have a go at prosecuting "on the basis of unsound evidence", knowing they could have a second attempt later.

But Mrs Ming said: "I believe enough safeguards will be built into the new law so it will work."

If the law is changed, she will have to lobby the Crown Prosecution Service for Dunlop's case to be reopened.

Other proposals include:

* Introducing "indeterminate" sentences for violent and sex offenders.

* Telling juries of a defendant's or a witness's previous convictions when they are relevant to an issue in the case.

* Doubling magistrates' maximum sentencing powers to 12 months.

* Allowing police to attach conditions to bail before a suspect is charged.

Guide to Queen's Speech

* A Criminal Justice Bill will reform sentencing arangements and criminal procedures, with reforms to ensure the punishment is appropriate to the offender.

* New types of sentences will be introduced to protect the public from dangerous offenders, help reduce re-offending and deal with young offenders.

* The Bill will scrap the "double jeopardy" rule to allow the retrial of those acquitted of serious offences where "new and compelling" evidence emerges.

* It will also allow juries to hear details of previous convictions of defendants.

* Anti-social behaviour will be targeted, with greater use of on-the-spot fines to tackle issues such as vandalism, and noise nuisance.

* A Bill will tighten up the law on sex offences, with better protection against paedophile abuse on the Internet and a stronger Sex Offenders Register to protect the public.

* The courts system will be reformed, bringing magistrates and Crown Courts under one organisation.

* There will be a Bill to improve international co-operation against organised crime such as drug trafficking.

* Existing licensing hours will be scrapped, allowing pubs and clubs to open at will to serve alcohol.

* NHS reforms continue with plans for Foundation Hospitals, free of Whitehall control and able to spend and borrow according to guidelines laid down by a new independent monitor.

* A new Railway Accident Investigation Branch will be set up to improve rail safety and ensure vigorous investigation of crashes.

* A Broadcasting Bill will allow greater cross-media ownership and mergers among TV stations and also create a new regulator.

* A Bill to "enable Parliament to reach a conclusion, on the contentious issue of hunting with dogs in England and Wales". MPs seem certain to vote for a ban and the Parliament Act may be used if the Lords try to block the legislation.