Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead

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Three other co accused will have sentencing brought forward

By Rebecca Black (PA)

The trial of a man over the murder of a young showjumper in Co Londonderry has ended following his sudden death.

Jonathan Creswell, 36, denied the rape and murder of Katie Simpson, 21.

Ms Simpson, who was from Tynan, Co Armagh, died in hospital almost a week after an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August, 3 2020.

The trial involving Creswell started at Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, this week.

Creswell had been granted bail and was attending hearings.

However the trial came to an end on Wednesday following the sudden death of Creswell.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Police attended the sudden death of a man at an address in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry this morning, April 24,” they said.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Jonathan Cresswell was on trial for the rape and murder of Katie Simpson

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