09/04/2026
No Evidence Against Officer In Katie Simpson Case – Ombudsman
Investigators from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have found no evidence to substantiate a criminal allegation against a police officer involved in the PSNI investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson.
The complaint focused on the initial decision by police not to treat Ms Simpson's death as suspicious and alleged that the officer had conflicts of interest which influenced that decision.
Enquiries, which included witness interviews and reviews of investigative material as well as phone and email records, found no evidence of any personal connections between the officer and other named parties. The case has now been closed.
The Ombudsman's Office reported its findings on how the PSNI responded to Ms Simpson's death to her family in November 2024. However, it had been unable to share details of a specific element of the original investigation relating to the same officer while the linked complaint was ongoing.
This position was taken to maintain the integrity of the investigation and to ensure fairness for the officer concerned.
The Simpson family have now been informed that the Police Ombudsman made no recommendations to the PSNI in respect of the officer as part of its original investigation, and that the subsequent investigation found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Two further complaints made to the Police Ombudsman and linked to the murder of Katie Simpson are now at an advanced stage.
The complaint focused on the initial decision by police not to treat Ms Simpson's death as suspicious and alleged that the officer had conflicts of interest which influenced that decision.
Enquiries, which included witness interviews and reviews of investigative material as well as phone and email records, found no evidence of any personal connections between the officer and other named parties. The case has now been closed.
This position was taken to maintain the integrity of the investigation and to ensure fairness for the officer concerned.
The Simpson family have now been informed that the Police Ombudsman made no recommendations to the PSNI in respect of the officer as part of its original investigation, and that the subsequent investigation found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Two further complaints made to the Police Ombudsman and linked to the murder of Katie Simpson are now at an advanced stage.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Mainly dry this evening with some late sunshine. Then the rest of the night will be largely dry and cloudy, a little rain possible across the far west later. Minimum temperature 13 °C.