Katie Simpson, 21, from Tynan in County Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital six days after an incident at Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney on August 3, 2020. Police initially treated her death as a suicide. Jonathan Creswell, partner of her sister and a showjumping trainer, was charged with her murder in March 2021. He died by suicide on the second day of his trial in April 2024.

An independent review commissioned by the Department of Justice and conducted by Dr Jan Melia examined the police response. It identified failures in the initial investigation, including no consideration of abuse or control by officers. Creswell's prior conviction for assaults in 2010 was not properly checked. The review noted 37 victims reported abuse by Creswell, including children as young as nine.

Justice Minister Naomi Long presented the review findings to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday. She stated that risk assessments must prioritise patterns of behaviour over single incidents and recognise coercive control as a lethal factor. Dr Melia will chair an implementation group for the 16 recommendations, most directed at policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck accepted the findings and apologised to Simpson's family. He said warning signs were missed and concerns from others were not acted on promptly. The PSNI has begun changes including training on coercive control and restructuring of investigation teams.

The review criticised safeguarding by health services, social services, and the equestrian sector. It noted multiple hospital visits by Simpson for injuries attributed to horse falls received no protection referrals. PSNI identified two other alleged offenders in equestrian activities during the review.

The Policing Board plans to question the Chief Constable on embedding the recommendations at its meeting on Thursday.