Middlesbrough Council received £12,000 + VAT for five days of filming in its Town Hall, it has been revealed.

The money, received from I Fought The Law Productions Ltd, was in exchange for use of the council chamber for one day and use of the Town Hall courtroom over the course of four days.

‘I Fought the Law’, which aired on ITV in late August and early September 2025, tells the real-life tale of Ann Ming’s remarkable fight to overturn the ancient double jeopardy law and see her daughter’s killer Billy Dunlop finally brought to justice.

The series received rave reviews and high viewing figures.

placeholder image — Middlesbrough Town Hall courtroom.

Filming in the council chamber took place on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, while the courtroom was used from Monday, September 9 – Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Eagle-eyed viewers of the four-part legal drama spotted that the council chamber was used for Ann Ming’s (portrayed by Sheridan Smith) passionate speech to members of the House of Lords. The scenes of Billy Dunlop’s trial were shot in the Town Hall courtroom.

The £12,000 figure was sourced through a freedom of information request. It has been confirmed by the council that while prices are deemed to be a fair market rate, there is no set fixed pricing for hiring facilities, as charges will be dependent on the specific situation.

In the case of the Town Hall being used for filming purposes for a large production, there is likely to be required vehicle and staffing accommodation.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “We were happy to welcome the producers of I Fought The Law to Middlesbrough to film some of the most crucial scenes of the series.

"The acclaimed show was a powerful look at the incredible story of Teesside woman Ann Ming’s fight for justice.

“Our Town Hall is a fantastic venue which plays host to community events, live music, drama and comedy as well as being the backdrop for successful television shows.”