Jonathan Creswell murder trial halted as accused found dead in Derry

A horse trainer who went on trial yesterday accused of murder has been found dead.

Prosecuting counsel Sam Magee KC told Coleraine Crown Court on Wednesday “Jonathan Creswell was found deceased at his home this morning”.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson was called to the witness box and advised he had received information that, “At 9am this morning police in Derry confirmed a male had been found deceased”.

He added: “Life was pronounced extinct 20 minutes later. A family member confirmed it was Mr Jonathan Creswell.”

The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed. Judge Neil Rafferty KC addressed the jury stating that under these circumstances they are discharged as the trial process in terms of Creswell has concluded.

Meanwhile, sentencing against the three co-accused women who pleaded guilty before Creswell’s trial began will now be brought forward.

Creswell, 36, and originally from Briar’s Hill in Greysteel, Co Derry, denied murdering showjumper Katie Simpson on August 9, 2020. He also denied raping her between August 2 and August 4, 2020.

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