Three women facing sentencing in connection with the death of showjumper Katie Simpson have been described by a court as complicit in a conspiracy of silence. Ms. Simpson, aged 21, passed away following an incident at a residence in Lettershandoney, County Londonderry, in August 2020.

The individual charged with her rape and murder, Jonathan Creswell, was discovered deceased at his home last month. Mr. Creswell, aged 36, had denied the allegations against him. Prior to the commencement of his trial, Jill Robinson, Hayley Robb, and Rose De Montmorency-Wright entered guilty pleas to various offenses related to Ms. Simpson's death.


The court was informed that their actions following the incident had significantly hindered the police investigation. Initially, law enforcement officials believed Ms. Simpson's death to be a suicide; however, it was subsequently reclassified as a murder case. A prosecution barrister acknowledged that while none of the three women intended to conceal a murder, they believed they were merely aiding in the concealment of an assault resulting in actual bodily harm.