Injuries discovered on the body of a twenty-one-year-old woman have been described in court as “consistent with being struck with a rod-type implement.”
Jonathan James Creswell (33) from Briar Hill Gardens, Greysteel, is charged with murdering Katie Simpson on August 3, 2020, having discovered she had spent the night with a boyfriend.
The talented showjumper from Middletown, passed away in Altnagelvin Hospital just under a week later, having never regained consciousness.
Her death was initially treated as suicide as a result of hanging.
Creswell first appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court on March 6.
The court was told that Creswell was in a relationship with the victim’s eldest sister with whom he has two children, but: “Controlled Katie since she was 9 or 10, and controls other females.”
During interview Creswell claimed on the morning in question he left the house he shared with his partner and children, Katie and another female at around 8am.
Having dropped the children with a relative, he returned believing everyone else had left.
On entering the property and while talking on the phone he said: “Oh God. Katie’s hanging. Call an ambulance.”
Creswell claims he put Katie into her car and drove out to meet the ambulance.
Phone analysis of the day before the incident revealed Katie’s frantic texts to her boyfriend, begging him not to tell Creswell of their night together.
Creswell appeared by video-link at Derry Magistrates Court today where the defence requested an update on the case from police.
A detective explained most witness statements have been taken and the only outstanding matters relate to forensic and pathology input.
He added specific injuries on Katie’s arms and legs appear to be consistent being struck with a rod-type implement.
It also emerged further information has been reported to police, including in the last two days, relating to another potential complainant.
Deputy District Judge Ann Marshall remanded Creswell in continuing custody to appear again by video-link next month.