The appeal comes after a review found several failings of the PSNI during their investigation into the murder of 21-year-old showjumper Katie
Police have urged others who may have been harmed by the man arrested in the Katie Simpson case to come forward, as a review identified more than 30 other potential victims.
The PSNI apologised to Ms Simpson’s family, accepting its “failings are clear” and the force “fell short”.
Ms Simpson, 21, from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney.
READ MORE: Mum of murdered Katie Simpson: ‘People who think they’re above the law, you’re not above God’s law’READ MORE: Katie Simpson report finds she had been groomed by Creswell from the age of 10
Police originally thought she had taken her own life, and it was not until the following year that Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Ms Simpson’s sister, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The trial of Creswell, 36, for the murder of Ms Simpson ended in April 2024 after he took his own life following the first day of proceedings.
An independent review led by Dr Jan Melia, commissioned by the Department of Justice, found that “not one officer thought seriously about abuse/control” in the police investigation in 2020.
It also found officers failed to identify inconsistencies in Creswell’s account, neglected to preserve vital evidence, demonstrated a striking lack of professional curiosity, and failed to employ an investigative mindset or consider the possibility of abuse/control, in spite of clear warning signs.
PSNI assistant chief constable Davy Beck said “work has already commenced” in the force to deal with the failings identified in Ms Simpson’s investigation.
He told reporters in Belfast: “Since this case, we have strengthened training on coercive control, we have also increased emphasis on professional curiosity and an investigative mind set.”
He added: “We have reviewed and refreshed our investigative training and death investigation instructions while enhancing supervisory standards in this regard. Safeguarding referrals in domestic abuse cases are already subject to enhanced supervisory review.
“Oversight structures have been reinforced to ensure clearer escalation when concerns are raised.
“We recognise that more must be done and, as part of our recovery plan, I am committed to increasing resourcing in our Publication Protection Branch.
“We are committed to rebuilding trust through action, accountability, and reform.”
The report also found that 37 people, both female and male, have come forward to say they were abused by Creswell.
Mr Beck appealed to “anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Jonathan Creswell or anyone else”.
“I would urge victims to speak to us, we are here to listen, to help and to keep you safe,” he said.
The senior officer apologised to Ms Simpson’s family and said the force remains “committed to learning from this case”.
“From the PSNI perspective we accept and welcome this review and accept the findings in full. We will of course take some time to review the findings in detail and we are committed to working with the author, the Department of Justice and other partners to implement the recommendations in full,” Mr Beck said.
“The review makes clear that we missed opportunities.
“Warning signs were not fully recognised early enough and we did not listen to some of those who raised early concerns.
“Let me be clear, they got it right and we were too slow to respond to their concerns; that was wrong.
“Patterns of coercive control were not sufficiently understood or challenged, investigative decisions did not always reflect the level of professional curiosity and rigor that should have been applied.
“The failings are clear, we fell short and for that, I am truly sorry.”
Chair of the policing board Brendan Mullan said the review “sets out in stark detail a series of missed opportunities which makes for deeply troubling reading” and highlights the need for “both systems and attitudinal change within policing and the Criminal Justice System”.
He said: “The Board will be questioning the Chief Constable at its meeting this week on how the listed areas for action are now fully embedded and integrated into everyday policing practice and mindset, particularly in light of the findings from the recently published Langdale Review.
“It is welcome that the Justice Minister, in her statement to the Assembly, acknowledged the co-operation and candour on this review.
“It is only through such openness that the changes necessary can be effected so that no other victim will be failed in the way that Katie was.”
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