Review finds PSNI misogyny missed Simpson death signs

An independent review into the 2020 death of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson has found that institutional misogyny within the Police Service of Northern Ireland contributed to police missing clear warning signs during the initial investigation. The review, led by Dr. Jan Melia, identified systemic failings across policing, social services, and health services.

Simpson, from Tynan in County Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital nearly a week after an incident at Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney, County Londonderry, on August 16, 2020. Police initially treated her death as a suicide. It was not until the following year that Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Simpson's sister, was arrested on suspicion of her murder. Creswell, who had a prior criminal record as an abuser, was charged with assault and murder but was found dead at his home on the second day of his trial.

The review concluded that no police officer seriously considered coercive control or domestic abuse in the early stages of the investigation. It highlighted multiple missed opportunities, including failures to connect prior complaints and incidents involving Creswell. Additionally, 37 people, both women...