13/11/2024
Police Investigation Into Katie Simpson's Death ‘Flawed'
The Police Ombudsman has heavily criticised the initial police investigation into the death of Katie Simpson, concluding that it was "flawed" and "failed the Simpson family".
Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder. Despite numerous red flags, including concerns about controlling behaviour and suspicious circumstances surrounding her injuries, the police initially treated her death as a suicide.
The Ombudsman's report highlighted several key failings in the investigation:
• Misleading assumptions: Police officers prematurely assumed Katie's injuries were self-inflicted, hindering a thorough investigation.
• Lack of investigative rigour: Insufficient evidence gathering, including a failure to properly search the crime scene and seize crucial devices.
• Overreliance on the suspect's account: Police accepted Creswell's version of events without sufficient scrutiny.
• Missed opportunities: Key lines of inquiry, such as investigating the circumstances of Katie's alleged fall from a horse and analysing CCTV footage, were not pursued.
Speaking after the investigation findings were given to the Simpson family, Hugh Hume, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, said: "Intelligence received by police both prior to, and following, Katie's death referenced that she may have been the victim of controlling behaviours, that the attempted suicide was suspicious, that Katie had not fallen from a horse, and that medical staff had also expressed concerns about the circumstances of Katie's injuries. "Although it is clear that this intelligence was viewed and logged by police, it did not change the direction of the police investigation.
"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 Police Ombudsman also highlighted significant failings in the oversight and management of the investigation. The case was initially assigned to an inexperienced officer, despite concerns from more senior colleagues. This lack of supervision and guidance, coupled with a general lack of investigative rigour, allowed crucial evidence to be missed and potentially dangerous individuals to remain at large.
The Police Ombudsman's investigation uncovered breaches of professional conduct by multiple police officers. While some faced disciplinary action, others were protected by retirement. The Ombudsman also made recommendations to improve future investigations, including stronger oversight and clearer procedures for handling serious incidents. However, ongoing investigations into potential police misconduct have prevented the full disclosure of findings related to Katie Simpson's case.
The Police Ombudsman report can be read in full here.
Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder. Despite numerous red flags, including concerns about controlling behaviour and suspicious circumstances surrounding her injuries, the police initially treated her death as a suicide.
The Ombudsman's report highlighted several key failings in the investigation:
• Misleading assumptions: Police officers prematurely assumed Katie's injuries were self-inflicted, hindering a thorough investigation.
• Lack of investigative rigour: Insufficient evidence gathering, including a failure to properly search the crime scene and seize crucial devices.
• Overreliance on the suspect's account: Police accepted Creswell's version of events without sufficient scrutiny.
• Missed opportunities: Key lines of inquiry, such as investigating the circumstances of Katie's alleged fall from a horse and analysing CCTV footage, were not pursued.
Speaking after the investigation findings were given to the Simpson family, Hugh Hume, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, said: "Intelligence received by police both prior to, and following, Katie's death referenced that she may have been the victim of controlling behaviours, that the attempted suicide was suspicious, that Katie had not fallen from a horse, and that medical staff had also expressed concerns about the circumstances of Katie's injuries. "Although it is clear that this intelligence was viewed and logged by police, it did not change the direction of the police investigation.
"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 Police Ombudsman also highlighted significant failings in the oversight and management of the investigation. The case was initially assigned to an inexperienced officer, despite concerns from more senior colleagues. This lack of supervision and guidance, coupled with a general lack of investigative rigour, allowed crucial evidence to be missed and potentially dangerous individuals to remain at large.
The Police Ombudsman's investigation uncovered breaches of professional conduct by multiple police officers. While some faced disciplinary action, others were protected by retirement. The Ombudsman also made recommendations to improve future investigations, including stronger oversight and clearer procedures for handling serious incidents. However, ongoing investigations into potential police misconduct have prevented the full disclosure of findings related to Katie Simpson's case.
The Police Ombudsman report can be read in full here.
Latest Northern Ireland News
13 November 2024
Police Investigation Into Katie Simpson's Death ‘Flawed'
The Police Ombudsman has heavily criticised the initial police investigation into the death of Katie Simpson, concluding that it was "flawed" and "failed the Simpson family". Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder.
Police Investigation Into Katie Simpson's Death ‘Flawed'
The Police Ombudsman has heavily criticised the initial police investigation into the death of Katie Simpson, concluding that it was "flawed" and "failed the Simpson family". Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder.
13 November 2024
United Wines Launches Designated Driver Campaign
United Wines, a leading drinks distributor in Northern Ireland, has launched its annual Designated Driver campaign to promote safer driving during the festive season. Starting on Monday, 18 November, designated drivers will receive a complimentary Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero at participating venues.
United Wines Launches Designated Driver Campaign
United Wines, a leading drinks distributor in Northern Ireland, has launched its annual Designated Driver campaign to promote safer driving during the festive season. Starting on Monday, 18 November, designated drivers will receive a complimentary Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero at participating venues.
13 November 2024
Belfast City Council Launches Pre-Loved Toy Appeal
Belfast City Council is once again calling on residents to donate pre-loved toys to support local families in need this Christmas. The successful appeal, which was launched last year, aims to extend the life of toys and reduce waste while providing vital support to those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Belfast City Council Launches Pre-Loved Toy Appeal
Belfast City Council is once again calling on residents to donate pre-loved toys to support local families in need this Christmas. The successful appeal, which was launched last year, aims to extend the life of toys and reduce waste while providing vital support to those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
13 November 2024
PSNI Apologises For Failures In Katie Simpson Investigation
The PSNI has issued a formal apology to the family of Katie Simpson following the publication of a highly critical report by the Police Ombudsman.
PSNI Apologises For Failures In Katie Simpson Investigation
The PSNI has issued a formal apology to the family of Katie Simpson following the publication of a highly critical report by the Police Ombudsman.
13 November 2024
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
Women Urged To Share Health Experiences In New Survey
Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey designed to gather insights into their health needs and experiences. The Women's Health Survey for Northern Ireland, part-funded by the Department of Health, is the first step in a broader public listening exercise aimed at improving women's healthcare services.
13 November 2024
County Down Woman Loses £4,000 In HMRC Impersonation Scam
The Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging the public to be vigilant against financial scams after a County Down woman lost over £4,000 to an HMRC impersonation scam. In this particular case, the victim received a convincing phone call from an individual claiming to be from HMRC, accusing her of unpaid tax.
County Down Woman Loses £4,000 In HMRC Impersonation Scam
The Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging the public to be vigilant against financial scams after a County Down woman lost over £4,000 to an HMRC impersonation scam. In this particular case, the victim received a convincing phone call from an individual claiming to be from HMRC, accusing her of unpaid tax.
13 November 2024
NI Schools Estate Faces Funding Challenge: Audit Office Report
A new report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office has revealed that the region's schools' estate, while a valuable asset, faces significant challenges due to funding constraints. The report highlights the need for substantial repair and upgrade work to bring many school buildings up to modern safety, accessibility, and functionality standards.
NI Schools Estate Faces Funding Challenge: Audit Office Report
A new report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office has revealed that the region's schools' estate, while a valuable asset, faces significant challenges due to funding constraints. The report highlights the need for substantial repair and upgrade work to bring many school buildings up to modern safety, accessibility, and functionality standards.
13 November 2024
Diocese Of Down And Connor Makes HIA Redress Scheme Contribution
The Executive Office has confirmed that it has received a contribution from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme. This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with the Order.
Diocese Of Down And Connor Makes HIA Redress Scheme Contribution
The Executive Office has confirmed that it has received a contribution from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme. This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with the Order.
13 November 2024
Alliance Welcomes Executive Commitment To Tackling Racism
The Alliance Party has welcomed a commitment from the Assembly to addressing racism and racist attacks across Northern Ireland.
Alliance Welcomes Executive Commitment To Tackling Racism
The Alliance Party has welcomed a commitment from the Assembly to addressing racism and racist attacks across Northern Ireland.
13 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Information Following Ballymena Burglary Antrim CID detectives have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary in Ballymena Tuesday, 12th November. Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant McDowell said: "We received a report that a house was broken into in the Parklands area, sometime between 12.30pm and 8pm.
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Information Following Ballymena Burglary Antrim CID detectives have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary in Ballymena Tuesday, 12th November. Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant McDowell said: "We received a report that a house was broken into in the Parklands area, sometime between 12.30pm and 8pm.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Another mainly cloudy day, misty and foggy at first, and around coasts at times. Most places staying dry, just a little patchy drizzle. A mild day with light northwest winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:It will remain cloudy through the evening and overnight with some mist or the odd spot of drizzle possible. Light southwest winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.