The Police Ombudsman has now confirmed it was aware a PSNI Chief Inspector was fully aware of the extent of Jonathan Csrwell’s previously record for violence within days of Katie Simpson’s death having accessed the Police National Computer (PNC) but rejected it as an issue.
This also changes the position as contained within Dr Jan Melia’s review which highlighted that officers had not properly checked the system to reference Creswell’s criminal history when in fact a senior officer was fully aware from an early stage.
Earlier this week it emerged the Chief Inspector cross-checked Creswell’s record with the PNC as his violence convictions allegedly were not showing on PSNI systems, but no action was taken either in terms of Katie’s death or safeguarding.
Despite consistent concerns being raised from August 4, 2020 – the day after Katie was admitted unresponsive to Altnagelvin Hospital – no action was taken, and it was later contended the absence of violence convictions showing on Creswell’s record was a factor.
Although this should never have led to the case being closed down as non-suspicious, it is now clear senior police were fully aware from five days after Katie’s death.
The revelation debunks previous claims around Creswell’s record for violence and casts further concerns on the Police Ombudsman involvement who found only general misconduct.
The PNC stores critical data to support criminal investigations, safeguarding, and standard background checks, along with holding convictions, cautions, and warnings for any criminal offence.
With PSNI initially relying on their own system to cancel concerns as Katie’s life ebbed away, it was assumed the PNC had not been checked, and as the suicide narrative took hold, there didn’t seem to be any point.
But documents show the PNC was checked on August 14 2020 – five days after Katie’s death – and despite the full appraisal of Creswell’s propensity for violence, the non-suspicious determination was stubbornly adhered to.
This again challenges previous narratives that PSNI were unaware because of their own system failings, when the totality of his criminal record was viewed at an early stage and the Chief Inspector would have clearly seen consistent alignment with concerns flagged as Katie fought for her life,.
The PSNI were asked what would be the expectation of any officer in such circumstances, but principally a Chief Inspector with significant experience, around examining previous convictions?
They were also asked if this particular officer closed down the death as non-suspicious.
Sticking firmly to the default stonewalling position a spokesperson repeated: “While legal proceedings remain ongoing, the PSNI will not comment on specific detail connected with this investigation.”
However the Police Ombudsman was asked to clarify if it was aware of this and if so, why the officer was not subject to investigation/sanction given how the case was closed down, while equipped with full knowledge, which could arguably be the core of the entire case failure.
A spokesperson replied: “Our investigators were aware of the PNC check, it was considered during our investigation, reflected in our findings, and we do not consider that any further action is necessary in relation to it.”
Further comment has been requested and the PSNI and Department of Justice have been contacted.
