Katie murder accused was facing another trial for sex offences before his death

Creswell was to be prosecuted over second victim’s claims, and further allegations were in system

JONATHAN Creswell was facing sex charges linked to a second victim when he died, with allegations involving two further women being considered by prosecutors.

Creswell (36) took his own life last month while on trial for the rape and murder of showjumper Katie Simpson (21).

A second trial was expected to take place following the conclusion of the murder case.

Creswell had also been reported for other non-recent allegations by two further victims.

The Public Prosecution Service said: “As prosecution decisions can only be taken in respect of living individuals, no decision as to prosecution can be taken in respect of these matters.”

Katie died in hospital in August 2020, six days after being raped and beaten at the house she shared with Creswell, the partner of her sister.

Creswell, who claimed he found her hanging following a suicide attempt, was found dead at his home on the second day of his trial. He was on bail.

Katie’s death was initially treated as a suicide by police. It was not until March 2021 that Creswell was arrested and charged with murder.

The Belfast Telegraph can reveal concerns about Creswell’s version of events were raised within hours of Katie being admitted to hospital.

One source said Katie had marks consistent with strangulation and injuries consistent with a sexual assault.

Creswell had a previous conviction for domestic abuse.

A former partner, Abi Lyle, went public after his death recounting how he threatened to throw her in a bath of bleach.

The source said: “While Katie was still in hospital her friends were already telling people that he’d killed her.

“She had opened up to them about the abuse she was suffering, it was both physical and sexual. She was terrified of him.

“One of her friends was so concerned about her safety that she begged Katie to come and live with her.

“The girl’s parents told Katie numerous times that there was always a bed in their house for her. But Creswell controlled her with an iron grip.

“After her death her friends made contact with police and were brushed off and told to go to the Police Ombudsman. The Ombudsman was telling them that complaints could only be made by a family member.”

In May 2021 the Police Ombudsman’s office confirmed it had launched an investigation after receiving complaints about the PSNI investigation.

Originally from Co Armagh, Katie had been living at Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney with Creswell and her sister Christina, his long-term partner.

Creswell took his own life following the start of the trial.

The Crown case was that the showjumper had been killed out of “jealousy”.

A prosecution lawyer told the jury Creswell had raped, strangled and murdered her after finding out she had a boyfriend.

The prosecution also told the court he tried to cover up what happened in a “calculated and deceitful” way by claiming Katie’s death was a suicide.

As well as the decision by police to initially treat the death as suicide, there are questions about Creswell’s other activities.

Within the showjumping world, there were allegations of animal cruelty and a criminal enterprise involving others that included injuring horses and claiming the insurance.

A source said: “When a horse wasn’t performing to his liking he’d break the animal’s leg, making sure it was well insured.

“He treated the horses how he treated women... well, for as long as they were performing to his liking, but subjected to violence when they weren’t.

“He was the type that could walk up to any woman and they’d be left thinking: ‘What a charming man’. In reality, the phrase ‘street angel, house devil’ was made for him.

While the murder trial ended following Creswell’s death, three women pleaded guilty to offences related to the case.

Jill Robinson (42), from Blackfort Road in Omagh, Co Tyrone, admitted perverting the course of justice on August 3, 2020.

Rose De Montmorency-wright (22), from Craigantlet Road in Newtownards, Co Down, admitted withholding information between October 9, 2020 and October 13, 2021.

Hayley Robb (30), from Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, Co Down, admitted withholding information and two charges of perverting the course of justice.

The Police Ombudsman also found a number of officers had committed misconduct in connection with the investigation.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said “due to people raising concerns about Creswell and his behaviour” in 2020, there was a “reassessment of what had happened, between August and December [of 2020], there were a number that led to a reassessment of what had happened”.

He added: “In January of 2021, Creswell was determined to be a suspect in the murder of Ms Simpson. In March he was arrested and prosecuted.

“We have had a circa-1,400page report from the Ombudsman which has identified officers having committed misconduct — not gross misconduct or criminal [misconduct] — and that misconduct process is now under way through our professional standards department, under the stewardship of the Deputy Chief Constable.

“These events will be further examined, I suspect, through an inquest [into Katie’s death].”

‘After her death her friends made contact with police but they were brushed off ’