An independent review led by Dr. Jan Melia examined the Police Service of Northern Ireland response to the death of 21-year-old Katie Simpson from Tynan, County Armagh. Simpson died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital on August 9, 2020, after an incident at Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney. The review, commissioned by Justice Minister Naomi Long, identified failures in the initial PSNI investigation.

Police treated the death as a suicide at first. Jonathan Creswell, partner of Simpson's sister and a showjumping trainer, faced arrest on suspicion of murder the following year. His trial for her murder ended in April 2024 when he died by suicide after the first day.

The review found the PSNI investigation showed weak leadership, missed warnings, and poor decision-making. Officers overlooked inconsistencies in Creswell's account, failed to preserve evidence, dismissed witness statements, and neglected digital communications. No officer considered abuse or coercive control seriously.

Thirty-seven victims reported physical and sexual abuse by Creswell. The review noted 16 hospital visits by Simpson from 2003 to 2020 for injuries attributed to horse riding. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck accepted the findings and apologised for missed opportunities and failure to heed early concerns.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told the Policing Board of unacceptable failings, including not referring Creswell to public protection arrangements despite his record of offences. Boutcher apologised again to Simpson's family and stated zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour, with dismissal for offenders.

Naomi Long addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly, noting 30 women killed violently in Northern Ireland since 2020. Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson and SDLP MLA Mark Durkan offered condolences to Simpson's family. Durkan mentioned Paul Lusby raised early concerns about Creswell.

The review issued 16 recommendations, including specialist domestic abuse involvement from the start of cases, victim profiling in suspicious deaths, trauma-informed training, and safeguards in emergency departments for injury cases. It called for mandatory safeguarding, training, and vetting in equestrian facilities. Dr. Melia will chair an implementation group.