Review Finds «Institutional Misogyny» in Katie Simpson Death Investigation; Journalist Seeks Answers

An independent review commissioned by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland found «institutional misogyny» contributed to missed warnings in the initial 2020 police investigation into the death of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson. Dr. Jan Melia, who led the review, stated that «not one officer thought seriously about abuse/control» in the PSNI investigation. The review also criticized systematic failures in safeguarding by social services, the health service, and the equestrian sector.

Police initially treated Simpson’s death as a suicide. Seven months later, Jonathan Creswell, her sister’s partner, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Creswell took his own life in April 2024 after the first day of his trial. Journalist Tanya Fowles, who knew Simpson, expressed concerns about Creswell due to his past court cases involving abuse of a former girlfriend. She became suspicious when she learned Creswell raised the alarm about Simpson’s injuries and contacted the police daily.

Fowles described the opening day of Creswell’s trial as unusual, with a «mini-evidence disclosure» and no witnesses called. She noted Creswell’s demeanor changed as evidence was presented. Fowles believes Creswell maintained control by ending the trial without explanation. She stated she «won't be finished» until all questions about who knew what and when are answered.