Latest news with #DeathofaShowjumper
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Katie Simpson Trust is set up as ‘a beacon of support and accountability for other families'
Katie, from Tynan in Co Armagh, was killed by her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell, who had been abusing her from a young age. However, police initially treated the murder as suicide. The Katie Simpson Trust says it 'stands not only in Katie's memory but as a beacon of support and accountability for other Irish families... The Trust is committed to providing training and raising awareness around investigative standards, victim support, and justice. 'It will work tirelessly to ensure that no family is left without answers or a voice. The trust has been launched to provide critical support to families who have lost a loved one in circumstances initially treated as suicide, accident or disappearance but where questions remain.' Meanwhile, a TV documentary about the murder, called Death of a Showjumper, has been postponed due to concerns the family had about aspects of the programme. It had been due to start on Wednesday on Sky and streaming service Now. Members of the Simpson family, along with their solicitor, Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, met with the production company and the issues are thought to have been resolved, with the documentary to be shown at a future date. The production company has been contacted for comment. Creswell had raped and beaten Katie overnight on August 3, 2020. He then made a 999 call, but put her semi-naked body in a car and started driving her to Altnagelvin Area Hospital. En route, Katie was transferred to an ambulance and Creswell, who was driving Katie's car, told paramedics and the two police officers that she had attempted to take her own life. Police were also told by Creswell that Katie, who was covered in bruises, had recently fallen from a horse. The talented showjumper died in hospital, without regaining consciousness, on August 10, 2020, aged 21. A Police Ombudsman probe concluded that the police investigation was hindered by the 'misleading working assumption' adopted by a number of officers that Katie's injuries were self-inflicted. Following the Ombudsman's report, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck apologised to the family and admitted there were 'shortcomings in various stages of the investigation'. 'It is clear that we were not rigorous enough in our pursuit of all potential lines of enquiry and did not act quickly enough in responding to some of the concerns that were raised around Katie's death,' he said. The Katie Simpson Trust, which will be launched on Friday, is being headed up by retired PSNI detective sergeant James Brannigan, who also worked on the investigation into the murder of Charlotte Murray, whose body has never been found. Ms Murray went missing in 2012 and her partner, Johnny Miller, was convicted in 2019 of her murder, making legal history as the first conviction of its kind in the absence of a body. Mr Brannigan says he is currently working with two other families who also have unanswered questions about their loved ones' deaths. 'What abusers do is isolate their victim from friends and family. Loved ones come together at a funeral and it is often only then that they think: 'This is not right.' But at that point it is very difficult to get a police investigation opened,' he said. 'If it turns out that a loved one has died at their own hand, as sad as that is, at least if the questions are answered it can give the family some closure.' The trust has said that it is already looking at two other cases, using specialist officers with 'expertise tailored to each'. It says its 'mission is simple: to bring peace of mind, clarity and, when needed, justice, by listening to families in their darkest hour'. Mr Brannigan added: 'As awful as he was, Jonathan Creswell is not a unique character. There are others out there like him.' Based in Northern Ireland, The Katie Trust says it will support families across the island of Ireland and beyond, offering training and guidance to police services to improve investigative standards and response. Mr Brannigan said: 'I believe there has been a growth in hidden homicides, and I'm aware police don't like that term. 'I know we will be inundated at the start and it is daunting work, but it needs to be done. 'It is not going to be easy, but there is a need for it when it comes to seeking answers, and we hope the charity fills that gap.'
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Irish Independent
‘He hit me over and over': Olympian on abusive relationship with Jonathan Creswell, the trainer accused of showjumper Katie Simpson's murder
The Bangor-born equestrian was in a relationship with Creswell from 2008 to 2009. A year after it ended, he was jailed for six months for multiple vicious and prolonged assaults on Ms Lyle who has revealed the extent of what she suffered ahead of Death of a Showjumper, a new three-part documentary series by Sky. It tells the story of a predatory abuser who operated in plain sight of Northern Ireland's 'horsey community' and explores police failings. Speaking to The Irish Times, Ms Lyle said she had just turned 23 when she started a relationship with the Greysteel man and was only beginning her career with horses. 'He was just so confident, charming and cocky and cheeky,' Ms Lyle recalled. 'But also very thoughtful, sweet and kind — just an alluring person.' However, the romance took a twist when Creswell assaulted Ms Lyle in February 2009 during a row before she left to go out with friends. He later sent a text apologising for his behaviour and asked if he could collect her. 'We got in the car and he swerved right, and my phone flew out of my hand... He said, 'You won't be needing that',' she said. 'Out of nowhere, he grabbed the back of my head [and] he hit my head off the window, off the dashboard. 'I was like, curled up, and he just hit me over my body, over and over and over. The shock of it. I always thought I would defend myself, but this crazy instinct took over. ADVERTISEMENT 'You will do or say anything to calm that person down because you are very aware you cannot win that fight. When he started to say, 'I'm really sorry, I'll never do that again. Oh my goodness. I really love you. Why did I do that?'… As soon as they say, 'Sorry', that pain is gone. Lifted. 'The relief was unbelievable, and it was like oxygen. By then I was in it. 'You think it's because of you. I shouldn't be doing these things, shouldn't be saying these things, I should be acting in a different way to stop this side of him coming out. But he got worse.' Ms Lyle's father contacted Nuala Lappin, a specialist PSNI domestic violence officer, which she described as her 'saving grace'. 'We kind of started a communication, just on the phone, for a couple of months before I left [Creswell],' she said. 'She said, 'I know you are not ready to [leave Creswell], but you can, and you will'. She was amazing, she was the only person who understood... Everyone's reaction [to her relationship with Creswell] was anger. A lot of people were so angry with me. They were like: 'Why are you going back? Why?' 'Nuala was the only person who truly understood why at that time I couldn't. Having her advice is probably why I am here today.' On August 3, 2020, Creswell drove Katie Simpson part-way to Altnagelvin Hospital before the unresponsive passenger was transferred to an ambulance. He told paramedics and two police officers that she had attempted to take her own life. She died in hospital without regaining consciousness a week later. Following a botched PSNI investigation, Creswell was eventually charged with Katie's murder but died after just one day of evidence in the case. At his trial, it was alleged he had strangled her and tried to cover it up by claiming she had hanged herself. Ms Lyle said that news of Creswell's arrest for Katie's murder 11 years after she walked away was 'devastating', but not surprising. 'I always thought he was capable of something like that,' she said. Death of a Showjumper is set to air on Sky and Now on Wednesday, July 16
Sunday World
13-07-2025
- Sunday World
Irish Olympian on her abusive relationship with trainer linked to murder of showjumper
Dressage rider speaks ahead of documentary on tragic death of Katie Simpson Irish Olympian and dressage rider Abigail Lyle has opened up on the abuse she suffered at the hands of Jonathan Creswell more than a decade before the death of showjumper Katie Simpson. The County Down equestrian was in a relationship with Creswell from 2008 to 2009. A year after it ended, he was jailed for six months for multiple vicious and prolonged assaults on Ms Lyle who has revealed the extent of what she suffered ahead of Death of a Showjumper, a new three-part documentary series by Sky. Abigail Lyle and Jonathan Creswell. News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13 It tells the story of a predatory abuser who operated in plain sight of Northern Ireland's 'horsey community' and explores police failings. Speaking to The Irish Times, Ms Lyle said she had just turned 23 when she started a relationship with the Greysteel man and was only beginning her career with horses. 'He was just so confident, charming and cocky and cheeky,' Ms Lyle recalled. 'But also very thoughtful, sweet and kind — just an alluring person.' Jonathan Creswell However, the romance took a twist when Creswell assaulted Ms Lyle in February 2009 during a row before she left to go out with friends. He later sent a text apologising for his behaviour and asked if he could collect her. 'We got in the car and he swerved right, and my phone flew out of my hand... He said, 'You won't be needing that',' she said. 'Out of nowhere, he grabbed the back of my head [and] he hit my head off the window, off the dashboard. 'I was like, curled up, and he just hit me over my body, over and over and over. The shock of it. I always thought I would defend myself, but this crazy instinct took over. 'You will do or say anything to calm that person down because you are very aware you cannot win that fight. When he started to say, 'I'm really sorry, I'll never do that again. Oh my goodness. I really love you. Why did I do that?'… As soon as they say, 'Sorry', that pain is gone. Lifted. 'The relief was unbelievable, and it was like oxygen. By then I was in it. 'You think it's because of you. I shouldn't be doing these things, shouldn't be saying these things, I should be acting in a different way to stop this side of him coming out. But he got worse.' Ms Lyle's father contacted Nuala Lappin, a specialist PSNI domestic violence officer, which she described as her 'saving grace'. 'We kind of started a communication, just on the phone, for a couple of months before I left [Creswell],' she said. 'She said, 'I know you are not ready to [leave Creswell], but you can, and you will'. She was amazing, she was the only person who understood... Everyone's reaction [to her relationship with Creswell] was anger. A lot of people were so angry with me. They were like: 'Why are you going back? Why?' 'Nuala was the only person who truly understood why at that time I couldn't. Having her advice is probably why I am here today.' Katie Simpson On August 3, 2020, Creswell drove Katie Simpson part-way to Altnagelvin Hospital before the unresponsive passenger was transferred to an ambulance. He told paramedics and two police officers that she had attempted to take her own life. She died in hospital without regaining consciousness a week later. Following a botched PSNI investigation, Creswell was eventually charged with Katie's murder but took his own life after just one day of evidence in the case. At his trial, it was alleged he had strangled her and tried to cover it up by claiming she had hanged herself. Ms Lyle said that news of Creswell's arrest for Katie's murder 11 years after she walked away was 'devastating', but not surprising. 'I always thought he was capable of something like that,' she said. Death of a Showjumper is set to air on Sky and Now on Wednesday
Belfast Telegraph
13-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘He hit me over and over': Olympian on abusive relationship with trainer linked to murder of showjumper Katie
The Bangor-born equestrian was in a relationship with Creswell from 2008 to 2009. A year after it ended, he was jailed for six months for multiple vicious and prolonged assaults on Ms Lyle who has revealed the extent of what she suffered ahead of Death of a Showjumper, a new three-part documentary series by Sky. It tells the story of a predatory abuser who operated in plain sight of Northern Ireland's 'horsey community' and explores police failings. Speaking to The Irish Times, Ms Lyle said she had just turned 23 when she started a relationship with the Greysteel man and was only beginning her career with horses. 'He was just so confident, charming and cocky and cheeky,' Ms Lyle recalled. 'But also very thoughtful, sweet and kind — just an alluring person.' However, the romance took a twist when Creswell assaulted Ms Lyle in February 2009 during a row before she left to go out with friends. He later sent a text apologising for his behaviour and asked if he could collect her. 'We got in the car and he swerved right, and my phone flew out of my hand... He said, 'You won't be needing that',' she said. 'Out of nowhere, he grabbed the back of my head [and] he hit my head off the window, off the dashboard. 'I was like, curled up, and he just hit me over my body, over and over and over. The shock of it. I always thought I would defend myself, but this crazy instinct took over. 'You will do or say anything to calm that person down because you are very aware you cannot win that fight. When he started to say, 'I'm really sorry, I'll never do that again. Oh my goodness. I really love you. Why did I do that?'… As soon as they say, 'Sorry', that pain is gone. Lifted. 'The relief was unbelievable, and it was like oxygen. By then I was in it. 'You think it's because of you. I shouldn't be doing these things, shouldn't be saying these things, I should be acting in a different way to stop this side of him coming out. But he got worse.' Ms Lyle's father contacted Nuala Lappin, a specialist PSNI domestic violence officer, which she described as her 'saving grace'. 'We kind of started a communication, just on the phone, for a couple of months before I left [Creswell],' she said. 'She said, 'I know you are not ready to [leave Creswell], but you can, and you will'. She was amazing, she was the only person who understood... Everyone's reaction [to her relationship with Creswell] was anger. A lot of people were so angry with me. They were like: 'Why are you going back? Why?' 'Nuala was the only person who truly understood why at that time I couldn't. Having her advice is probably why I am here today.' On August 3, 2020, Creswell drove Katie Simpson part-way to Altnagelvin Hospital before the unresponsive passenger was transferred to an ambulance. He told paramedics and two police officers that she had attempted to take her own life. She died in hospital without regaining consciousness a week later. Following a botched PSNI investigation, Creswell was eventually charged with Katie's murder but took his own life after just one day of evidence in the case. Orange Order parade passes through Ardoyne without incident At his trial, it was alleged he had strangled her and tried to cover it up by claiming she had hanged herself. Ms Lyle said that news of Creswell's arrest for Katie's murder 11 years after she walked away was 'devastating', but not surprising. 'I always thought he was capable of something like that,' she said.
Belfast Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Equestrian sector needs to up safeguarding after Katie Simpson murder, says ex-PSNI officer
Ms Simpson was killed by Jonathan Creswell in August 2020 Northern Ireland's equestrian sector needs to improve its safeguarding arrangements following the murder of Katie Simpson, a former PSNI detective has said. The 21-year-old was killed in August 2020 by Jonathan Creswell, a horse trainer and showjumper who was in a relationship with Simpson's sister. Creswell had called the emergency services after assaulting Ms Simpson, claiming to have found her hanging from a stairwell. Simpson died six days later. Police initially treated her death as suicide, only upgrading the incident to a murder investigation following the intervention of detective James Brannigan. Creswell was charged with her murder but died at his home a day after his trial commenced in April last year. Mr Brannigan, who led the investigation into Ms Simpson's killing, said the sector needs to take a look at how it safeguards young people. "If you take your child to soccer, rugby, Gaelic, swimming, there are safeguarding measures,' he told the Sunday Times this weekend. 'In the equestrian sector, there are none. Predators know that these kids, especially girls, will do anything to stay with horses. 'Creswell was a paedophile. He started relationships with schoolgirls. When he came out of prison after the assault on Abigail Lyle, and it was a brutal assault, the local hunt had a 'welcome home' party for him in Armagh. "The cases going through the public prosecution service here of incidences taking place in the equine industry is shocking. The equine industry is riddled with this.' Ms Simpson's story is the subject of a three-part series, Death of a Showjumper, coming soon to Sky and Now TV. It features Mr Brannigan and Co Armagh journalist Tanya Fowles who, after Simpson's hospitalisation, alerted police that Creswell had been sentenced to six months in prison in 2010 for violently assaulting his former partner. When the journalist's calls to PSNI in Derry were ignored, she informed Mr Brannigan, who had previously led an investigation into Charlotte Murray (34), who disappeared in 2012 and whose remains have never been found. Ms Murray's former fiancé, Johnny Miller, was later found guilty of her murder. Mr Brannigan's team only became the lead investigators on the case five months after Ms Simpson's killing. "I had to do it myself behind the scenes because I knew there was animosity towards me doing it,' he said. "Simpson was dead in a car, covered in bruises, and the guy [Creswell] driving the car said, 'She's hung herself.' This guy had a brutal history of domestic violence. "What stood out to me was the fact that people were going to the police with information. Intelligence was coming in that should have made any police officer sit up.' The PSNI's initial alleged missteps when investigating Simpson's death included a failure to factor in an incident in which Creswell exposed himself to a female in a stable yard in 2016 and then fled across the border. Police apologise as watchdog finds Katie Simpson's family 'failed' by probe An independent review into Creswell's case is under way and is being conducted by Jan Melia, a former Chief Executive of Women's Aid Federation. "The equine industry is an area of concern and has been included in the review,' she said. The Police Ombudsman is dealing with a number of complaints over the case, including one from Ms Fowles over the PSNI's failure to respond to her concerns over Creswell. The PSNI has said the Ombudsman had notified seven officers that they were under investigation following complaints about the handling of the case. Four of those officers have since retired.
