Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead

The trial of a man over the murder of a young showjumper in Co Londonderry has ended following his sudden death.

Jonathan Creswell, 36, denied the rape and murder of Katie Simpson, 21.

Ms Simpson, who was from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August, 3 2020.

The trial involving Creswell started at Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, this week.

Creswell had been granted bail and was attending hearings.

However the trial came to an end on Wednesday following the sudden death of Creswell.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Police attended the sudden death of a man at an address in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry this morning, April 24,” they said.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Ms Simpson’s mother Noeleen Simpson said she is still so missed.

“It’s a big loss. Katie would have just lit up the room, when you think of her you smile,” she told the BBC.

“It’s sad. A very stressful time… I just try to think of the good things and how brave she was.”