Katie Simpson: Murder case accused changes pleas to guilty

Katie Simpson died following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney

A woman charged in connection with the death of showjumper Katie Simpson has changed her pleas to guilty.

Hayley Robb, 30, from Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, had initially denied withholding information and two charges of perverting the course of justice.

Jonathan Creswell, formerly of Brian Hill Gardens in Greysteel, has already been charged with, and denies, Ms Simpson's murder.

Robb admitted the charges at a hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

The review hearing heard she will remain on bail and be sentenced at the conclusion of the overall trial.

Mr Cresswell is accused murdering Katie Simpson following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on 3 August 2020.

Jonathan Cresswell is one of four people facing charges relating to Ms Simpson's death

She died in Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry on 9 August, having never regained consciousness.

In court on Friday, lawyers for Robb asked that the charges be put to her again.

She admitted withholding information between 2 August 2020 and 26 June 2021, while knowing Ms Simpson had sustained injuries.

Robb further admitted perverting the course of justice by cleaning blood in Creswell's home on 3 August 2020 as well as washing his clothes at a laundrette.

Two other women, Rose de Montmorency-Wright, 22, of Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, and Jill Robinson, 42, from Blackfort Road, Omagh, face charges in connection with Ms Simpson's death and are due to stand trial alongside Mr Creswell.