Katie Simpson: Murder case accused change pleas to guilty

Katie Simpson died following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney

Two women charged in connection with the death of showjumper Katie Simpson have changed their pleas to guilty.

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

Three women, all connected to Mr Creswell, are charged with offences relating to the cover-up of the murder.

All of the women initially denied their respective charges, but one changed her plea last month.

Jill Robinson, 42, from Blackfort Road in Omagh was re-arraigned at Laganside Crown Court in Belfast on Friday.

She accepted perverting the course of justice by washing Creswell's clothes on 3 August 2020.

Rose de Montmorency-Wright, 22, from Craigantlet Road in Newtownards was similarly re-arraigned and admitted withholding information between 9 October 2020 and 13 October 2021.

She resided with Mr Creswell and his partner Christina Simpson, Katie's sister, at the time of her death.

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

Last month, Hayley Robb, 30, from Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, admitted withholding information and two charges of perverting the course of justice.

The trial, which is scheduled for April, will now take place without the women in the dock. They will remain on bail and be sentenced at the conclusion of the overall trial.

A Crown barrister has said the trial will take an estimated six to eight weeks.

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

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

Mr Creswell, whose current address cannot be reported, appeared at Belfast Crown Court in April 2023 when he entered a not guilty plea.