Skip to content

Inquiry to be launched into handling of murder accused

BBC Jonathan Creswell with long brown hair wearing a navy zip-up fleece and polo shirt as he walks along a street.BBC
Jonathan Creswell died while on trial for the murder of Katie Simpson

The justice minister is setting up an independent review into the case of Jonathan Creswell - the man who died while on trial for the murder of showjumper Katie Simpson.

Naomi Long wants to "identify learning" from why he was not the subject of a risk management plan by the police or other agencies.

Years before Ms Simpson's murder in 2020, Creswell was jailed for assaulting his partner at the time.

But at no stage following his release was he managed under Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland (PPANI).

This involves the police and other agencies like the Probation Service managing risks "posed by certain sexual and violent offenders" when released from prison.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have said they "will work alongside partner agencies and fully co-operate with the review into PPANI".

Family Handout Katie Simpson with long brown hair looking to the side as she smiles at the camera.Family Handout
Katie Simpson died in August 2020

Details of the review are contained in a response to a written assembly question from Nuala McAllister, the Alliance assembly member who sits on the Policing Board.

Its terms of reference are currently being finalised.

Long stated: "There may have been points at which Jonathan Creswell could have been referred into PPANI.

"It is vital that we fully understand the circumstances and take account of any learning."

'A violent history'

McAllister welcomed the development.

In a statement she said: "Creswell had a violent history and a criminal record which reflected this.

"I have seen evidence which shows that opportunities were missed from PSNI ... where PPANI arrangements should have been in place to manage this violent offender.

"I will continue to use my position on the Policing Board to seek clarity and accountability for these failings."

Ms Simpson, 21, died six days after being admitted to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry in August 2020.

Police initially treated her death as suicide.

At his trial, it was alleged Creswell, 36, strangled her and tried to cover it up by claiming she had hanged herself.

He was found dead at his home on the second day of his trial in April.