PSNI admits ‘not rigorous enough’ in Katie Simpson death investigation

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has stated that its investigation into the death of showjumper Katie Simpson was not “rigorous enough.” Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck further remarked, “We did not act quickly enough in responding to some of the concerns that were raised around Katie’s death.” This admission follows an ombudsman report which concluded that the police investigation was deficient and let down her family. The report highlighted several shortcomings, among them an inclination to accept the narrative provided by Jonathan Creswell, who was subsequently charged with her murder. Furthermore, the ombudsman noted that police had knowledge early in the investigation that Creswell had received a conviction in 2010 for assaulting a different woman. The report indicated “a general lack of investigative mindset,” resulting in her 2020 death being classified as suicide for a period of several months. ACC Beck commented, “We relied too much on the lack of any presenting medical evidence around what had happened to Katie when she was first admitted to hospital and on the forensic post mortem that was conducted on August 11, 2020.” He also stated, “Our systems failed to identify Creswell’s previous related, serious offending.” Subsequent to the ombudsman’s report, three officers, all holding the rank of sergeant, faced disciplinary action. Nevertheless, ACC Beck clarified that this was “less about individual officers’ actions and more about our organisation not getting things right from the outset.” He further affirmed, “We are absolutely committed to learning from this case and recommendations from the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland have already been actioned.” ACC Beck remarked, “At the time of Katie’s murder there were a number of gaps around legislation.” He continued, “Those gaps thankfully have been filled working with the Department of Justice.” “We have new offences that reflect that specific type of offending,” he concluded. Previously, Ms Simpson’s mother, Noleen Mullan, stated at a press conference: “The people who are responsible for what’s happened here from the start are nowhere to be seen.“And it leaves you feeling empty. There’s been no achievement made, for me. I wanted them to be made accountable but I don’t think they ever will be.” The family’s solicitor described the progression to this stage as a “long, difficult journey.” Kevin Winters commented, “Today’s findings issued by the ombudsman are a stepping stone on what’s still a long torturous road to justice for the Simpson family.” Winters added, “For the Simpson family it has left them seriously retraumatised having been subjected to the unfolding horror that was Katie’s killer Jonathan Creswell living in their midst for many weeks after her sad passing.” Mr Winters further stated: “Whilst the police handling of the case in the early stages was deplorable and compounded the trauma of the family, they don’t want the justifiable criticisms of police to detract in any way from a key public recognition of the psychopathic evil that was Jonathan Creswell.” The family has indicated their intention to initiate a civil action against the PSNI. The ombudsman reported receiving two additional complaints, one of which is connected to the initial investigation and contains allegations of potential criminal wrongdoing against a PSNI member. It was also noted that the PSNI investigation was impeded by the erroneous working assumption that Ms Simpson’s injuries were self-inflicted, notwithstanding “multiple reports from members of the public” indicating that Ms Simpson had experienced controlling and coercive behaviour from Creswell. Certain police officers had also voiced apprehension that she had been subjected to coercive control. Beyond these suspicions, medical personnel had also conveyed worries regarding how Ms Simpson sustained her injuries, according to the watchdog. Officers were additionally alerted early on that her survival was improbable. Nevertheless, they did not adequately consider collecting physical evidence from her, such as obtaining blood samples and photographs of her injuries. Ms Simpson, 21, a resident of Tynan in County Armagh, was transported to hospital with severe injuries following an incident at a house in County Londonderry in August 2020. Creswell, who was her sister’s partner, had contacted 999, falsely claiming he discovered her hanging from a stairwell. However, police subsequently determined that he had beaten her prior to strangling her. Ms Simpson was admitted to Altnagelvin Hospital and passed away six days later, never having regained consciousness. Numerous warning signs were overlooked before Creswell was ultimately charged with her murder. Creswell, aged 36, was discovered deceased at his residence in April while on trial for murder. Three women who pleaded guilty to various offences related to her death were given suspended sentences. The ombudsman’s inquiry revealed that “no effective searches carried out at Ms Simpson’s address” occurred after her death, and communication devices were not confiscated. Officers retrieved two mobile phones, but these were “old devices” utilized by Ms Simpson, and no further steps were taken at that time to locate her most recent phone. The watchdog’s report stated that her phone was later discovered “hidden in a field” following Creswell’s arrest in March 2021 and subsequent police interview. Furthermore, a vehicle associated with the investigation was never subjected to forensic examination. Hugh Hume, Chief Executive of the Police Ombudsman, commented: “If not for concerns raised by a small number of individuals, both inside and outside the PSNI, there is every likelihood that Katie’s death would have been recorded as a suicide.“That would have deprived her family and friends of any opportunity for justice, which was ultimately denied them by Creswell’s death. Mr Hume further stated: “There appeared to be a general lack of an investigative mindset which contributed to shortcomings in evidence identification and retrieval, scene management and identification, a willingness to accept at face value the accounts from Jonathan Creswell, and ultimately confusion around the ownership of the police investigation.” The ombudsman had initially advised the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to discipline six police officers for their management of the case. However, for one officer, “no misconduct was proven.” Two of the officers had retired, preventing their disciplinary proceedings from advancing. Among the three officers disciplined by the PSNI, one was issued a written warning, another received measures intended to enhance performance, and the third was given management advice. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher had previously acknowledged “a number of shortcomings” in the initial phases of the police investigation and has met with Ms Simpson’s family to offer an apology. In August, he informed a Northern Ireland Policing Board meeting that the PSNI had exhibited a mindset that was not “professionally curious enough.” Before Creswell’s arrest, multiple individuals, including Ms Simpson’s relatives, had voiced concerns regarding him. He possessed a prior conviction for an assault on a woman. The ombudsman’s investigation, initiated in March 2021, culminated in a 1,400-page file being forwarded to the PSNI.