Katie Simpson’s family to sue police over botched murder investigation – The Irish News

The family of show jumper Katie Simpson are to sue the PSNI over its botched investigation into her suspected murder.

The 21-year-old died in hospital six days after he was attacked at his home near Derry in August 2020.

The woman’s death, initially ruled a suicide by police, was later ruled a murder.

Jonathan Creswell, a former jockey, committed suicide in April on the first day of his trial for murder and rape.

Prosecutors had alleged Cresswell tried to cover up Ms Simpson’s suspected murder by claiming she was trying to take her own life.

The case sparked controversy due to the PSNI’s approach in the early stages of the investigation.

A total of 4 separate reports were made to the police after the woman’s death, asking them to investigate primarily as assault and murder.

Medical staff also expressed concern about the nature of the injuries sustained by Ms Simpson.

Police were also aware that Creswell had been sentenced to six months in prison for strangling and threatening his ex-girlfriend.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has already acknowledged shortcomings in the early stages of the investigation.

Lawyer Kevin Winters, of KRW Law Firm, said he had been instructed by “a number of close family relatives”, including Ms Simpson’s parents, to take legal action “due to police shortcomings in the early stages of the investigation”.

“Many have been badly re-traumatised by the workings of the seriously flawed theory of suicide espoused by investigators,” he said.

“They will be suing the PSNI for negligence.”

Concerns were also raised about the Police Ombudsman’s delay in publishing the report into Ms Simpson’s death.

Mr Winters said Ms Simpson’s family’s decision to pursue legal action was not reached lightly.

“This decision was not taken lightly as it was before the PONI (Police Ombudsman) report into the PSNI’s handling of the case,” he said.

“PONI (Police Ombudsman) findings are expected to be critical to the early stages of the investigation.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s response will remain the same to any questions regarding the legal matters relating to this case.

“We will not comment while legal and other proceedings are ongoing.”