Three women escape prison for helping a man accused of raping and murdering a young woman

THREE women who helped a man later accused of raping and murdering a young woman have avoided prison.

Katie Simpson, 21, died in hospital on August 9, 2020, six days after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, County Derry.

Investigators initially believed Ms Simpson had attempted suicide, but 36-year-old Jonathan Cresswell was later charged with the rape and murder of the popular show jumper.

Creswell was found dead in his home on April 24 of this year, one day after his trial began.

On Friday, Hayley Robb, 30, Jill Robinson, 42, and Rose De Montmorency-Wright, 23, were sentenced for offences related to Ms Simpson’s death.

Prosecutors said that while they believed the woman believed they were protecting Creswell from an earlier attack on Ms Simpson rather than murder, the trio had nevertheless committed a “serious criminal offence”.

Washed clothes and purified blood

Robb had previously admitted to withholding information and obstructing justice by washing Creswell’s clothes and cleaning up blood in his home.

She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended.

Robinson, who admitted obstructing justice by washing Creswell’s clothes, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years.

De Montmorency-Wright had admitted withholding information despite knowing about Creswell’s alleged attack on Katie and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.

“These three defendants have now been sentenced after pleading guilty to the roles they played following Ms Simpson’s death,” said PPS senior prosecutor Bronach McAuley.

“Although the prosecution accepted the defendants’ testimony that they were trying to protect Creswell from blame for an earlier attack on Ms. Simpson, rather than her murder, they were nevertheless convicted of a serious crime.”

She added: “As Jonathan Creswell was found dead during his trial in April 2024, this trial can never be concluded.

“However, the prosecution took the view that Creswell was responsible for Ms Simpson’s death.

“Another central point in the prosecution’s argument was that he had covered up the circumstances of her death and lied about it in order to absolve himself of guilt.”

“The family’s nightmare continues”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said his thoughts were with Ms Simpson’s family.

“Katie Simpson lost her life at just 21 years of age, leaving behind family members and many close friends,” he said.

“She was the heart of a family that simply adored her.”

He added: “The trial for Katie’s alleged rape and murder began on April 23 but ended quickly when the defendant, Jonathan Creswell, was found dead the following morning.

“Katie’s loved ones have suffered an indescribable loss. Their grief is only heightened and prolonged by the lack of closure.

“Although three co-defendants were held accountable today for their individual actions in connection with Katie’s death, I am aware that a family’s nightmare continues.

“My thoughts and those of my team are with Katie’s family and friends who remain heartbroken.”