In 2020, the quiet residential neighbourhood of Derry was shaken when Katie Simpson, a vivacious 21-year-old and talented equestrian, was found in a precarious state in August. The person who found her in distress was Jonathan Creswell, her brother-in-law who claimed that she had attempted to take her own life. Tragically, six days later, Katie succumbed to her injuries in hospital, leaving the local community in shock and disbelief.
Jonathan Creswell who found her, was known in public circles for his charm and high profile connections as a jockey and an erstwhile equestrian expert. However, behind his public demeanour, lurked a sinister and violent history.
Despite the local police treating Katie’s case as suicide initially, the circumstances surrounding her death aroused suspicion amongst community members. Tanya Fowles, a journalist, reveals in her report on ‘In the News’ how she tirelessly highlighted her doubts about Creswell, but it was not until 2024 that he finally faced charges of rape and murder in a Derry court.
The delay in his indictment and the abrupt end to his trial after a day incited questions. In a two-part series on Creswell and his crimes, you can listen to the first part now, presenting by Bernice Harrison and produced by Suzanne Brennan, available on major podcast platforms.