The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has confirmed the sentences imposed on three women who covered for the man accused of murdering Katie Simpson will not be appealed.
Jonathan Creswell (36) was charged with murdering the talented showjumper on August 3 2020 and raping her some time beforehand.
It was contended he attacked Katie - the younger sister of his partner Christina ‘Nina’ Simpson - in a jealous rage then staged a scene to make it appear she had attempted to take her own life.
His trial ended after 24 hours when he was found dead.
While four women associated to Creswell through the equestrian industry were reported by PSNI for prosecution, a decision was taken to proceed against three.
Hayley Robb (30), from Weavers Meadow, Banbridge, withheld information knowing Creswell had assaulted Katie and perverted justice by cleaning blood in his home.
She and Jill Robinson (42), from Blackfort Road, Omagh, jointly perverted justice by washing his clothes.
Rose de Montmorency-Wright (23), of Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, withheld information knowing Creswell had assaulted Katie.
Prosecution counsel Sam Magee KC said they were “complicit in his conspiracy of silence around critical facts”.
Ms Simpson sustained injuries all over her body including defensive wounds on her arms and hands, “tramline” bruising potentially inflicted with a rod-type implement, and “grip marks” on her thigh “indicative” of violent sexual assault.
Creswell divulged that he’d beaten Katie and intended to explain her significant injuries occurred from being trampled.
None reported this to police or medical staff.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC said the women’s offending crossed the custody threshold and in relation to Ms Robb imposed a sentence of two years.
Turning to Robinson, he imposed a sentence of 16 months with de Montmorency-Wright receiving eight months.
However, all sentences were suspended for two years.
The PPS asked if the sentence would be appealed.
A spokesperson said: “An unduly lenient sentence is one that falls outside the range of sentence that a judge, taking into consideration all relevant factors and having regard to sentencing guidance, could reasonably consider appropriate. The director can refer a sentence to the Court of Appeal only if there is a legal ground to do so.
“In this case there is no legal ground to refer the sentences imposed to the Court of Appeal.”
