An independent review into the Police Service of Northern Ireland's handling of Katie Simpson's death identified systemic failures and institutional misogyny. Simpson, a 21-year-old from Tynan in County Armagh, died in August 2020 after an incident in Lettershandoney, County Londonderry. Police initially classified her death as suicide.

Jonathan Creswell, partner of Simpson's sister and a showjumping trainer, groomed and killed her. Creswell faced prior conviction for assault in 2010. Authorities charged him with murder, but he died by suicide on the first day of his trial in April 2024.

The review, led by Dr Jan Melia and published this week by Justice Minister Naomi Long, determined police disregarded warning signs, ignored Simpson's experiences, and favoured Creswell's account. No officer considered abuse or coercive control. Officers overlooked inconsistencies in his statements, failed to secure evidence including texts and phone records, and neglected witness accounts.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck apologised to Simpson's family, admitting the force missed opportunities and did not heed early concerns from the public. He confirmed six officers faced misconduct findings, with limited disciplinary outcomes. The PSNI now pursues unified command structures, enhanced training on coercive control and domestic abuse, improved supervisory reviews, and increased resources for public protection.

The review identified 37 additional victims, including children and adults from areas such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, who reported abuse by Creswell. Police appealed for further victims to contact them.

Stormont Justice Committee chairman Paul Frew, a DUP MLA, stated the findings revealed multiple failures and demanded stronger PSNI accountability and full use of coercive control laws. Naomi Long noted failures by police, social services, health services, and the equestrian sector. Policing Board chair Brendan Mullan described a catalogue of basic protocol breaches requiring cultural change.