Murder accused ‘borrowed thousands from women’

Bail hearing for 33-year-old Cresswell

A MAN accused of killing his partner’s sister is an alleged philanderer who borrowed thousands of pounds from women, the High Court heard yesterday.

Jonathan Cresswell was charged with the murder of 21-year-old Katie Simpson as part of an investigation into her initially suspected suicide.

She died in hospital following an incident at an address in Gortnessy Meadows, Derry, on August 3 last year.

At first it was thought that she had taken her own life.

Despite continuing uncertainty over the cause of death, prosecutors claim 33-year-old Cresswell, of Briar Hill Gardens in Greysteel, can now be charged with murder based on other evidence and “deficiencies” in his account. During his application for bail the court heard he was the longterm partner of Ms Simpson’s older sister.

But Crown lawyer Robin Steer contended that Cresswell had been in a sexual relationship with the alleged victim.

It was further claimed he was seeing other women, including a 10-year affair with one referred to only as “H”.

One of them said she gave him money and acted as guarantor for a £15,000 loan taken out by the accused, a judge was told. He also allegedly received £10,000 from another of the women borrowed from the Credit Union.

Mr Steer contended: “My understanding from the police is he was also speaking to Katie’s mother about a loan while the deceased was being treated in the intensive care unit.”

As part of Cresswell’s bid to be released from custody £10,000 has been lodged as a potential surety, with further sums available.

Mr Justice O’hara said: “He should have more money available, because he’s [allegedly] been borrowing significantly from young women over the years.”

Describing the case against Cresswell as circumstantial, defence counsel insisted there is no direct evidence of involvement in murder.

Kieran Mallon QC said: “There are very significant issues surrounding causation.” Mr Mallon also disputed the admissibility of separate claims made about his client’s past behaviour.

He said: “The prosecution appear to be throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at this case.”

Adjourning the hearing for two weeks, Mr Justice O’hara requested medical records and the pathologist’s report. He added: “There’s a question mark at the start of this case about the charge of murder, how well founded that is.”

There is a question mark about the charge JUDGE BELFAST HIGH COURT YESTERDAY