A horse trainer who was found dead while on trial for the rape and murder of a show jumper posted a fake tribute on Facebook to his “best friend” on the day she died.
Jonathan Creswell, 36, had been charged with the rape and murder of Katie Simpson and was two days into his trial when he was discovered to have died at his Londonderry home last week in non-suspicious circumstances.
Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, heard that Creswell had previously had “illicit” sexual relations with Katie and had shared two children with her sister Christina.
She then became angry after learning that the 21-year-old, who lived with Jonathan and Christina, was in a relationship with someone else.
Sam Magee KC, prosecuting counsel, told the jury that Creswell had raped, strangled and killed Katie. The court also heard that Creswell then attempted to “cover up” what happened by claiming Ms Simpson’s death “was as a result of suicide”.
Jonathan Creswell (pictured), 36, had been charged with the rape and murder of Katie Simpson and was two days into his trial when he was discovered to have died at his home in Londonderry.
Katie remained unconscious for a week before her death on August 9, 2020. Later that day, Jonathan posted a status on Facebook gushing about Katie.
It said: “One of the best friends I could ask for, one of the most talented riders I have ever met.”
‘The best hunting companion in the world, brave in the saddle, brave across the country.
‘The hardest worker was born, the best aunt for me [two] children.
‘cristina simpson [and] I and the world are going to fight without you beautiful.
‘We love you so much. I can’t wait to see you again.
The post, which was shared on her Facebook page, was signed with numerous kissing emojis.
According to the prosecution, Creswell pretended to be “the unfortunate individual” who discovered Mrs. Simpson’s body.
Katie remained unconscious for a week before her death on August 9, 2020. Later that day, Jonathan posted a Facebook status gushing about Katie.
Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, heard Creswell had previously had “illicit” sexual relations with Katie (pictured) and had shared two children with his sister Christina.
Magee added: “The prosecution alleges that the defendant raped Katie.” He murdered her. He made efforts to cover up what she had done by trying to make her death look like a suicide. In the hours before her death he was with Katie.
“He strangled her and created a fiction, pretending to others that he found Katie hanging on a ladder.
‘He pretended to medical staff that she had taken her own life. We say he was the individual who committed an act of violent rage that took her life when she was just 21 years old.’
According bbc newsAn autopsy revealed that injuries to Katie’s extremities were “consistent with being struck with a rod-type instrument.”
Katie’s mother Noeleen said: “Katie’s passion was horses, her friends, her family – going out with friends and socialising.”
‘She was a very sociable person. She could talk to anyone and it didn’t matter how old she was.
‘Katie would have just lit up the room. I know everyone says that, but when you think about her you smile.
The trial began at Londonderry Crown Court, located in Coleraine (pictured: Coleraine Courthouse).
A Detective Chief Inspector from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was called to the witness stand last week. He said he had received information that a man had been found dead at 9am at a property in Londonderry.
“A family member confirmed it was Mr. Jonathan Creswell,” he said.
A PSNI spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Police attended the sudden death of a man at an address in the Waterside area of Londonderry this morning. The death is not considered suspicious.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC told the jury the trial process was over and acquitted them.
He said the sentencing of three co-defendants who had pleaded guilty before the start of the trial would be brought forward. He adjourned the case until May 10.
Mr. Creswell’s trial was due to last between six and eight weeks.
On the first day of the trial on Tuesday, the court heard that Katie was involved in the equestrian industry and that she and her sister Christina met Creswell when he was a jockey at Darton Ree Stables in Tynan, Co Armagh.
The court heard Christina and Creswell got together and had two children. Later, Katie began working with them.
Magee told the court that Katie was in the early stages of a relationship with another man called Shane McCloskey at the time of her death and was terrified Creswell would find out about this, the Irish Mirror reported.
The sentence against the three co-accused women will now be brought forward, BBC Northern Ireland reported.
Jill Robinson, 42, of Blackfort Road in Omagh, admitted perverting the course of justice on August 3, 2020.
Hayley Robb, 30, of Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, Co Down, admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Rose De Montmorency-Wright of Craigantlet Road in Newtownards, Co Down, admitted withholding information between October 9, 2020 and October 13, 2021.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, Help women offers free support through its instant messaging service and hotline.