THE parents of murdered pizza delivery girl Julie Hogg hope to join forces with the family of Damilola Taylor in their fight for a change in the law.

Ann Ming and her husband, Charlie, have been campaigning for an end to the double jeopardy rule - which prevents defendants being charged twice for the same crime - since labourer Billy Dunlop admitted killing their daughter, Julie, 12 years ago.

Dunlop was acquitted of murder after two juries failed to agree a verdict, but he later confessed to a prison officer to the killing of the young mother, from Billingham, Teesside.

But he has literally got away with murder, and the courts were only able to hand down a seven-year sentence for perjury - lying on oath.

Mr and Mrs Ming, from Stockton, were joined by The Northern Echo in their campaign for a change in the law, so that in exceptional cases where there is new evidence, a defendant could be retried.

Yesterday, Mrs Ming received an approach through a third party from Damilola Taylor's father, Richard, who wants to talk to her about the campaign.

Ten-year-old Damilola bled to death in a stairwell in Peckham, London two years ago. He was found with stab wounds.

In April, a high-profile trial cleared four boys charged with Damilola's murder.

Last night, Mrs Ming said: "I am waiting for Mr Taylor's call.

"I am interested to hear what he has to say and if we can help each other."

Stockton MP Frank Cook, who is supporting the Mings' case, said any alliance between the two families would be beneficial.

"Any meeting between the Taylors and the Mings would be a great comfort to Damilola's family," he said.

Mr Taylor could not be reached for comment last night.