Katie Simpson: Three receive suspended sentences

Three women who admitted crimes in connection with the death of show jumper Katie Simpson have been sentenced to suspended sentences.

Mrs Simpson died on 3 August 2020 as a result of an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney.

Hayley Robb, 30, Jill Robinson, 42, and Rose De Montmorency-Wright, 22, had pleaded guilty to a number of offences in connection with Ms Simpson’s death.

The man on trial for her rape and murder, Jonathan Creswell, was found dead in his home in April.

Hayley Robb, of Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, County Down, pleaded guilty to withholding information and two further counts of perverting the course of justice.

She washed Mr. Creswell’s clothes and wiped away blood in his house.

She was sentenced to two years’ probation.

Jill Robinson, 42, of Blackfort Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, also admitted perverting the course of justice by washing Mr Creswell’s clothes.

She was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Rose De Montmorency-Wright, 22, of Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, admitted withholding information between 9 October 2020 and 13 October 2021.

She lived with Mr Creswell and his then partner Christina Simpson, the sister of Katie Simpson.

She was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.

Judge Neil Rafferty, after handing down the sentences against the three women, said Jonathan Creswell was “a skilled and predatory abuser” who viewed the women under his influence “simply as there to be used for his own purposes, including his sexual gratification”.

Jonathan Creswell was accused of the murder and rape of Katie Simpson, but denied it.

Shortly after his trial began in April, he was found dead in his home.

He was not in custody as he was granted bail at the High Court in Belfast in April 2021.

Ms Simpson, 21, died in August 2020 following an incident at a house in Lettershandoney, County Londonderry.

Police initially believed Mrs Simpson’s death to be a suicide, but later ruled it a murder.

Katie Simpson’s mother Noleen Simpson spoke outside Londonderry Crown Court.

“It is heartbreaking to know that we will never see Katie’s smile again. Katie’s passion for horses, her fearless talent and her love for her family and friends.

“Her laughter will be the memory we will keep.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony for Jonathan Creswell’s death, Noleen Simpson said there would never be justice for the family.

“The lack of a trial left us with an overwhelming sense of injustice. What kept us going was the thought that he would end up in prison at any moment.”

“If you look back from the beginning, this was never possible.”

Katie Simpson’s mother thanked everyone involved who helped bring Katie’s murder to justice and believed it was not a suicide as initially reported by police.

Shortly after the verdict, police released a statement saying that Katie Simpson’s family had suffered “an indescribable loss.”

Det Ch Insp Mark Gibson said: “Their grief is deepened 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.”