Katie Simpson: Family remember a 'brave, caring, funny' daughter

Katie Simpson

Every time she walked into a room she lit it up - that's how Noeleen Simpson describes her daughter Katie.

Katie Simpson died in August 2020. The man accused of raping and murdering her was found dead at his home a day after his trial got under way.

Noeleen now focuses on her cherished memories of a loving and kind daughter

"She was a really good baby - so cuddly. Just a lovely child and very happy. So cute and just very lovable," she added.

Katie was a talented showjumper and speaking to BBC News NI before Creswell's trial began, Noeleen said growing up it became obvious that she would enter the equestrian world.

"Katie's passion was horses, her friends, her family - going out with friends and socialising.

"She was a real people person. She could talk to anybody and it didn't matter their age," she told BBC News NI.

"Katie would have just lit up the room. I know everybody says that but when you think of her you smile."

The family believe that Creswell, a former jockey, viciously assaulted the talented jockey and staged a scene to try to make it appear that she had attempted to take her own life.

Katie lived with Creswell and his partner Christina, her sister, at the time of her death.

Noeleen spoke of the shock when she got news of her daughter's death, and the nature of it.

"I think it's the suffering that she endured - that's the hardest."

Noeleen and her family will remember Katie as "someone who was very brave, caring, very funny and always seemed to be in good spirits".

"She could tackle anything that was thrown at her," she said.

Katie with her family as a child

Noeleen tries to think of the good times, her daughter's bravery and lots of happy memories, adding that Creswell never enters her mind.

"I don't mention his name or think about him in any way."

'Fearless' Katie

Katie Simpson's sister Rebecca

Rebecca Simpson says her sister was "fearless".

"There wasn't a dull moment with Katie about," she said.

She said her defining memory of Katie was ponies and the joy that shone from her as she rode.

"She was a joy, a light, absolutely fearless - she could walk into any room and she'd have the best time. She loved life."

Rebecca said the loss had been unbearable.

"I don't think you can describe it. It's a constant impact, part of you gone.

"It's also the guilt of going on with your life without someone there," she added.

Katie with her sister as a child

She said knowing what Katie had gone through was "probably the worst part of it".

"We didn't know what was going on. Sitting there in a hospital bed and thinking my sister tried to end her life and a couple of months later, hearing: 'Oh no it was murder.'

"You are like - how does it even make sense?"

"Katie deserves to be here. She brought something to this world and this world is missing something without her," she said.

Hospital raised concerns

Creswell claimed he had discovered Katie unresponsive after she had tried to take her own life.

He put her into her own car before driving to meet an ambulance instead of waiting for it to arrive at the scene in Lettershandoney, near Londonderry.

Some Altnagelvin Hospital staff raised concerns that Katie's injuries did not appear consistent with Mr Creswell's claims.

Katie died a week later without regaining consciousness.

A post-mortem examination noted injuries to her limbs "consistent to being struck with a rod-type implement".

The family has concerns about the initial police investigation, which they feel led to officers to believe the claim that Katie had tried to kill herself.

A subsequent look at the case resulted in Creswell being charged with rape and murder.

A Police Ombudsman's investigation was carried out in the wake of the original investigation by the PSNI to examine the role of several officers.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it had received an extensive file from the Police Ombudsman and it would take some time to fully and properly consider its content.

Katie's aunt Colleen McConville believes a bright future lay ahead for Katie in the equestrian world.

"I think she would have gone to the top as she had natural talent, but she was also hard working.

"We just have to look back on the memories of Katie - that's what we'll have to focus on," she added.

"We'll just keep remembering Katie and how much we love her and how much we'll miss her."