13/11/2024
Police Investigation Into Katie Simpson's Death ‘Flawed'
The Police Ombudsman has heavily criticised the initial police investigation into the death of Katie Simpson, concluding that it was "flawed" and "failed the Simpson family".
Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder. Despite numerous red flags, including concerns about controlling behaviour and suspicious circumstances surrounding her injuries, the police initially treated her death as a suicide.
The Ombudsman's report highlighted several key failings in the investigation:
• Misleading assumptions: Police officers prematurely assumed Katie's injuries were self-inflicted, hindering a thorough investigation.
• Lack of investigative rigour: Insufficient evidence gathering, including a failure to properly search the crime scene and seize crucial devices.
• Overreliance on the suspect's account: Police accepted Creswell's version of events without sufficient scrutiny.
• Missed opportunities: Key lines of inquiry, such as investigating the circumstances of Katie's alleged fall from a horse and analysing CCTV footage, were not pursued.
Speaking after the investigation findings were given to the Simpson family, Hugh Hume, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, said: "Intelligence received by police both prior to, and following, Katie's death referenced that she may have been the victim of controlling behaviours, that the attempted suicide was suspicious, that Katie had not fallen from a horse, and that medical staff had also expressed concerns about the circumstances of Katie's injuries. "Although it is clear that this intelligence was viewed and logged by police, it did not change the direction of the police investigation.
"There appeared to be a general lack of an investigative mindset which contributed to shortcomings in evidence identification and retrieval, scene management and identification, a willingness to accept at face value the accounts from Jonathan Creswell, and ultimately confusion around the ownership of the police investigation."
The Police Ombudsman also highlighted significant failings in the oversight and management of the investigation. The case was initially assigned to an inexperienced officer, despite concerns from more senior colleagues. This lack of supervision and guidance, coupled with a general lack of investigative rigour, allowed crucial evidence to be missed and potentially dangerous individuals to remain at large.
The Police Ombudsman's investigation uncovered breaches of professional conduct by multiple police officers. While some faced disciplinary action, others were protected by retirement. The Ombudsman also made recommendations to improve future investigations, including stronger oversight and clearer procedures for handling serious incidents. However, ongoing investigations into potential police misconduct have prevented the full disclosure of findings related to Katie Simpson's case.
The Police Ombudsman report can be read in full here.
Katie Simpson tragically died in August 2020 after being driven part-way to hospital by Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with her murder. Despite numerous red flags, including concerns about controlling behaviour and suspicious circumstances surrounding her injuries, the police initially treated her death as a suicide.
The Ombudsman's report highlighted several key failings in the investigation:
• Misleading assumptions: Police officers prematurely assumed Katie's injuries were self-inflicted, hindering a thorough investigation.
• Lack of investigative rigour: Insufficient evidence gathering, including a failure to properly search the crime scene and seize crucial devices.
• Overreliance on the suspect's account: Police accepted Creswell's version of events without sufficient scrutiny.
• Missed opportunities: Key lines of inquiry, such as investigating the circumstances of Katie's alleged fall from a horse and analysing CCTV footage, were not pursued.
Speaking after the investigation findings were given to the Simpson family, Hugh Hume, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, said: "Intelligence received by police both prior to, and following, Katie's death referenced that she may have been the victim of controlling behaviours, that the attempted suicide was suspicious, that Katie had not fallen from a horse, and that medical staff had also expressed concerns about the circumstances of Katie's injuries. "Although it is clear that this intelligence was viewed and logged by police, it did not change the direction of the police investigation.
"There appeared to be a general lack of an investigative mindset which contributed to shortcomings in evidence identification and retrieval, scene management and identification, a willingness to accept at face value the accounts from Jonathan Creswell, and ultimately confusion around the ownership of the police investigation."
The Police Ombudsman also highlighted significant failings in the oversight and management of the investigation. The case was initially assigned to an inexperienced officer, despite concerns from more senior colleagues. This lack of supervision and guidance, coupled with a general lack of investigative rigour, allowed crucial evidence to be missed and potentially dangerous individuals to remain at large.
The Police Ombudsman's investigation uncovered breaches of professional conduct by multiple police officers. While some faced disciplinary action, others were protected by retirement. The Ombudsman also made recommendations to improve future investigations, including stronger oversight and clearer procedures for handling serious incidents. However, ongoing investigations into potential police misconduct have prevented the full disclosure of findings related to Katie Simpson's case.
The Police Ombudsman report can be read in full here.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
21 April 2016
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
14 May 2012
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
06 December 2011
'Flawed' RUC Double Murder Probe Slammed
RUC detectives overlooked vital clues pointing to a controversial double murder, a new report has today suggested.
'Flawed' RUC Double Murder Probe Slammed
RUC detectives overlooked vital clues pointing to a controversial double murder, a new report has today suggested.
19 October 2017
Police Chief Under Investigation Over Alleged Misconduct In Public Office
Northern Ireland's police chief is being investigated over alleged misconduct in public office. Mr George Hamilton and a number of other PSNI officers are being investigated by the Police Ombudsman. The claims are in relation to how the police handled an inquiry into the awarding of a contract to supply vehicles to the force.
Police Chief Under Investigation Over Alleged Misconduct In Public Office
Northern Ireland's police chief is being investigated over alleged misconduct in public office. Mr George Hamilton and a number of other PSNI officers are being investigated by the Police Ombudsman. The claims are in relation to how the police handled an inquiry into the awarding of a contract to supply vehicles to the force.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be mainly dry and bright day with some sunshine, perhaps an isolated shower around the coast. Chilly with a frost at first and the odd fog patch. Cloud thickening in the west by dusk. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Outbreaks of rain during this evening. Becoming mainly dry with clearing skies overnight with a frost possible along with icy patches. Minimum temperature 0 °C.