Jonathan’s Creswell’s parents will be offered the opportunity to play a central role at the inquest into the death of Katie Simpson, Belfast Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.
Three women who pleaded guilty to offences linked to covering up an assault on the 21-year-old showjumper will also be asked whether they want to request being named properly interested persons (PIPs) during the the proceedings, it emerged at a pre-inquest review hearing.
PIPs, or their legal representatives, are given access to documents, including the autopsy report, submissions, and question witnesses.
Counsel for the coroner’s office said Creswell’s next of kin may well want to make representations as there is “highly likely to be some criticism of his role” in her death.
The PSN is also a potentially interested person or party, while Coroner Joe McCrisken said the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the BBC should be written to and asked for relevant material.
Mr McCrisken said there may be issues in relation to BBC journalistic sources but added: “I think we should at least make that request.” BBC broadcast a Spotlight programme on Ms Simpson’s death and the police investigation.
Ms Simpson, from Tynan in Co Armagh, died on August 9, 2020, six days after she was brought unconscious and barely breathing to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
A major crime investigation was shut down within days of her death despite several complaints made to police. It was ruled not suspicious after a pathologist found her death was a “possible hanging”, though this was largely based on Creswell’s claim that she had attempted suicide, according to court records.
The murder investigation only began many months later after which Creswell was charged with Ms Simpson’s murder and rape. He took his own life after the first day of his April trial. He was 36.
In June, Hayley Robb pleaded guilty to information and perverting the course of justice, Jill Robinson to perverting the course of justice and Rose De Montmorency-Wright to a single count of withholding information. They all received suspended sentences.
The police have been asked to deliver all unredacted documents in connection with the case within the next four weeks, which the court heard is likely to be made up of mostly of files related to the criminal case.
Phillip Henry KC. for the coroner, noted the PSNI are likely interested parties as “there was some criticism in the press about the nature of the investigation”.
Mr McCrisken noted the purpose of an inquest is to determine the who, what, why and how of a death and not to “analyse or critique” a police investigation.
However, Mr McCrisken added he had not yet made a final decision on whether the inquest will proceed officially under Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which would mean a wider probe into the circumstances of the death.
He also said the proceedings will be Article 2 compliant, suggesting a broader investigation.
Several members of Ms Simpson’s family, including mother Noeleen, and friends, attended this first hearing of the inquest. The hearing was adjourned until November 12.
