How Jonathan Creswell tried to get away with murder

In August 2020, in a small housing estate in Derry, 21-year-old Katie Simpson was found in a critical condition. According to the man who discovered her, her brother-in-law Jonathan Creswell, the young woman had attempted suicide.

Six days later, Katie died in hospital from her injuries. The community was shocked that this outgoing and talented showjumper had taken her own life.

But all was not as it seemed. The publicly charismatic and well-connected Creswell, a jockey and former showjumper, had a dark and violent past.

And although the PSNI were quick to treat this case as suicide, news of Katie’s death raised suspicions within the community.

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Journalist Tanya Fowles tells In the News how she tried again and again to raise the alarm about Creswell – but it took until March 2024 for the violent abuser to appear in court in Derry to face charges of rape and murder.

Why did it take so long to bring him to justice and why did the trial end after just one day?

This is the first of two episodes on Jonathan Creswell and his crimes. You can listen back to part one now in the player above or whereever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.