A Police Ombudsman investigation has found that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) conducted an inadequate investigation into a complaint of indecent exposure against Jonathan Creswell, who was later charged with the murder of showjumper Katie Simpson. The report, released after Creswell's death, highlights failures in how police handled the complaint made in January 2016.
Katie Simpson, a 21-year-old showjumper, died in Derry’s Altnagelvin Area Hospital in August 2015, nearly a week after an incident in Lettershandoney. Police initially believed her death was self-inflicted, but the following year, Creswell, who was Ms Simpson's sister's partner, was arrested on suspicion of murder. Creswell's trial concluded in April 2024 when he took his own life on the first day of proceedings.
Following Creswell's death, a woman lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman detailing how police had handled a report she made in January 2016. She alleged that Creswell had exposed himself to her at a horse yard in County Antrim months prior. The Ombudsman's investigation uncovered several shortcomings in the PSNI's handling of this complaint. The initial officer assigned to the case took only one witness statement over a four-month period and failed to obtain statements from three other potential witnesses, including an eyewitness. A second officer who later took over the case did not gather further statements or listen to a recording of an allegedly threatening voice message sent by Creswell.
The Ombudsman also found that the file submitted by the second officer to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) contained inaccuracies. It incorrectly stated that Creswell was known to police only for motoring offenses, omitting his prior conviction for violent offending against a woman. The file also falsely claimed there was no outstanding evidence or other witnesses. Based on the information provided, the PPS directed that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.
Nikki Davis, the Ombudsman's director of investigations, stated that the police had failed the complainant. She emphasized that indecent exposure is a serious crime and can indicate a potential for escalating sexual offending. Davis noted that sexual crime is often under-reported and requires significant courage from victims to come forward. She added that a failure to properly investigate such reports undermines efforts to combat violence and sexual offending against women and girls.
The Ombudsman's report further indicated that the officers made inadequate efforts to locate and interview Creswell. While attempts were made to contact him by phone and visit an associated address, and inquiries were made regarding his equestrian background, the investigation was deemed insufficient. The Ombudsman recommended disciplinary action for the two officers involved for their failure to properly investigate the case and provide adequate updates to the complainant. The PSNI indicated that measures would be taken to improve officer conduct.
The Police Ombudsman's office was also unable to complete inquiries into a separate allegation involving a different police officer who retired during the investigation. This complainant alleged the officer had attempted to prevent her from speaking to the media. The Ombudsman's office reopened its investigation into this matter after receiving further correspondence from the complainant.