The Police Service of Northern Ireland apologised for failings in the 2020 investigation into the death of Katie Simpson, a 21-year-old from Tynan in Co Armagh. An independent review led by Dr Jan Melia identified institutional misogyny as a factor in officers missing clear warning signs of abuse and control.

Katie Simpson died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney. Police initially treated the death as a suicide. Jonathan Creswell, partner of Ms Simpson's sister, faced murder charges but died by suicide on the first day of his trial in April 2024.

The review listed systematic failures by police, including failure to spot inconsistencies in Creswell's account, neglect of evidence preservation, oversight of forensic opportunities, dismissal of witness statements and lack of examination of digital communications. Officers showed no investigative curiosity about possible abuse despite indicators.

Creswell worked at a horse yard near Tynan where Ms Simpson rode from age eight. The review stated he groomed her from age 10 with coercive control and physical abuse hidden by a charming exterior. Ms Simpson made 16 hospital visits from 2003 to 2020 with injuries attributed to riding accidents.

Creswell had a history of offences including motoring violations, dangerous driving, animal abuse, indecent exposure, suspected fraud and domestic abuse. The review noted 37 people reported abuse by him.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck accepted the findings in full. He stated the force missed opportunities, failed to recognise warning signs promptly and did not heed early concerns. The review criticised social services, health services and the equestrian sector for safeguarding lapses.

It made 16 recommendations mainly on training needs such as trauma-informed approaches and gender-sensitive risk assessment to address institutional misogyny. Justice Minister Naomi Long announced Dr Melia will chair an implementation group. Noeleen Mullan, Ms Simpson's mother, described the report as hard to read due to missed actions and poor care.