Report identifies police ‘misconduct’ in early stages of investigation into jumper Katie Simpson’s death – The Irish Times

A report has identified that police officers “committed misconduct” in the first part of their investigation into the death of jumper Katie Simpson, PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher has said.

Boutcher told the Police Board that an internal disciplinary process has already begun, adding that the force would learn all the lessons it could from the investigation into the 21-year-old’s death in 2020.

Police originally thought Ms Simpson’s murder was a suicide.

The trial of Jonathan Creswell (36) for the rape and murder of Mrs Simpson ended last month following her sudden death.

Ms Simpson, who was from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August 3, 2020.

Alliance Party member Nuala McAllister asked the police chief about the case during her monthly meeting with her oversight body.

She said: “Jonathan Creswell’s death was a huge blow to justice for Katie, her family and loved ones.

“I just want to ask that you ensure that Katie’s legacy is that this never happens to another woman again and that we free society from violence against women and girls.”

Boutcher confirmed that his death was initially treated as a suspected suicide in August 2020.

He said forensic opportunities would have been eroded due to the time elapsed between his admission to hospital and his death.

He said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand the causes of death. Of course, Katie never regained consciousness to tell what had happened.

“Indeed, because people expressed concern about Creswell and his behavior, between August and December there were a number of concerns that led to a reassessment of what had happened.

“In January 2021, Creswell was determined to be a suspect in the murder of Ms. Simpson. In March he was arrested and prosecuted.”

Boutcher added: “There has been an investigation by PONI (Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland).

“I have been in contact with the ombudsman this week regarding that investigation to ensure that any information we have about our response has been properly vetted so that we understand the lessons learned, which I promise you we will do.

“We have received a report of approximately 1,400 pages from the Ombudsman that has identified officers who have committed misconduct, not serious or criminal misconduct.

“That misconduct process is now underway through our professional standards department under the direction of the deputy chief constable.”

She added: “Whatever we need to do in this organization regarding violence against women and girls, we will do it.

“We now know from Creswell’s lifestyle that he committed other violent crimes.

“Whatever we need to learn from this, we will certainly learn.”

Temporary assistant chief constable Davy Beck told the board: “I can confirm that while Katie Simpson was being treated in hospital, a member of the public contacted the police due to concerns they had about the incident, suggesting that it could not have been a suicide attempt. .

“This was reported to CID officers and as a result a forensic post mortem examination was conducted and a CID detective attended the autopsy which was carried out on August 11 to assist and advise the pathologist.”

He added: “On the basis of those findings and the evidence available at the time, the police accepted that the incident was not suspicious.

“Clearly, over the following weekend other information emerged that again required closer examination.” – Press Association