Katie Simpson: New charity 'a legacy' to murdered young showjumper
On Friday, some members of her family attended the official launch of The Katie Trust.Her aunt, Paula Mullan, told BBC News NI that she hopes the charity will help other families."This charity is going to help so much and so many people, that they don't feel alone and that they're being answered, their questions to be answered."Another aunt, Colleen McConville said: "The very sad thing is it's happening too often. "This charity will help straight away from the onset, not down the line, which is harder to be investigated, so it will give families direct and quick answers."
The Katie Trust has been founded by James Brannigan, a retired PSNI Detective Sergeant who led the murder investigation, with the support of Katie Simpson's relatives."This Trust is here to listen, when so many have not. It is here to ask the hard questions, when others will not," Mr Brannigan said. "And above all, it is here to stand beside families, not in opposition to law enforcement, but in service of justice and truth."In January 2025, the justice minister announced she was setting up an independent review into the case of Jonathan Creswell.He had been jailed for six months in 2010 after pleading guilty to assaulting a girlfriend.
Katie Simpson never regained consciousness following the incident at a house in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, in August 2020.On the first and only day of his trial for murder, it was alleged that Creswell strangled her and tried to cover it up by claiming she had hanged herself.Creswell, who had denied the murder and rape of Ms Simpson, was found dead at his home shortly before he was due to attend the second day of his trial in April 2024.The previous day, during opening submissions in front of a jury, a prosecution lawyer outlined how Creswell allegedly raped, strangled and killed Ms Simpson.The prosecution had also outlined how Creswell had previous "illicit" sexual relations with Ms Simpson and attacked her after discovering she was in a relationship with another younger man.Ms Simpson lived with Creswell and his partner Christina, who was her sister, at the time of her death.Creswell had been described as an abusive and controlling person.Three women avoided jail last year after admitting offences connected to her death.Jill Robinson, Rose De Montmorency-Wright, and Hayley Robb were given suspended prison sentences.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Coleraine: Three people escape injury in petrol bomb attack
The police are appealing for information after a petrol bomb was thrown through the window of a house in Coleraine, County incident happened on Maple Drive at about 01:30 BST on Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said three people were in the house at the time and managed to extinguish the fire."Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the incident," said Det Sgt Higgins. "Enquiries to establish the circumstances of the report are underway, and we would appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist us, to get in touch," he added.
The Independent
13 hours ago
- The Independent
Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of 'abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. ' Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
BreakingNews.ie
13 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Drag artist at Belfast library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of 'abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. Advertisement The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. Advertisement In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event at the library was not appropriate for children (Liam McBurney/PA) 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. Advertisement 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. Advertisement 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. Advertisement A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
