Three out of four chief agencies have confirmed full compliance with the review announced by Minister for Justice Naomi Long as to how Jonathan Creswell managed to evade public protection arrangements following serious domestic violence convictions against a former partner.
The fourth agency contacted – the Western Health and Social Care Trust – have yet to respond.
Despite numerous incidents, including a report for exposure in which the victim warned police Creswell was dangerous, he was never subject to any protection arrangements.
He was jailed in 2010 for a catalogue of domestic abuse against his then partner Abi Lyle.
Ten years later he brutally murdered Katie Simpson, staging a scene making it appear he had rescued her from an attempt to hang herself.
His account was largely believed including by police and only for the concerns of a few, Creswell again came exceptionally close to slipping through the net once more.
He went on trial for Katie’s rape and murder in April 24, which ended after just one day when he took his own life.
In response to an enquiry from Alliance Party MLA and Policing Board member Nuala McAllister Minister Long said: “I am committed to a specific review of the Creswell case intended to establish when he came into contact with any PPANI agencies, if there were opportunities to refer him and to identify learning. The full terms of reference are being finalised, and it is my intention to appoint an independent reviewer to undertake this work.”
Ms McAllister stated: “I have been consistently clear that the serious failings around Creswell must be uncovered. He had a violent history and a criminal record reflecting this. I have evidence of opportunities missed by the PSNI, where PPANI arrangements should have been in place to manage this violent offender.”
Former specialist PSNI Domestic Violence Officer Nuala Lappin who is now a Domestic Violence Awareness Consultant said: “Creswell was an extremely dangerous individual and Katie’s appalling murder demonstrated that fully, as did his ability to calmly carry on in the aftermath, dictating the narrative. After his conviction for the shocking abuse of Abi Lyle, which was never a secret, he resumed his life unfettered, continuously avoiding scrutiny. That’s unacceptable.”
Three agencies, all under the Department of Justice remit, provided almost identical responses around compliance although each failed to address specific aspects raised.
The PSNI were pointed to Creswell’s previous convictions, a wanted alert over exposure and the disappearance of his previous record from the system to which a spokesperson replied : “We will work alongside partner agencies and fully cooperate with the review announced by the Justice Minister.”
Due to Crewell’s time in custody the Prison Service was approached as to what if any rehabilitative work was undertaken such as anger management and what procedures were in place for his release such as living arrangements and if there was onward referral for monitoring in the community, particularly in terms of attitudes towards females and within relationships.
A spokesperson said the Prison Service: “Will work alongside partner agencies and fully cooperate with the review concerning Jonathan Creswell announced by the Justice Minister.”
Meanwhile the Probation Board were also approached about any referrals on Creswell following his release from prison in terms of monitoring in the community including ant relations and employment and any risk assessments undertaken.
A spokesperson said the Probation Board cannot discuss individual cases but: “Will work alongside partner agencies and fully cooperate with the review announced by the Justice Minister.”
Finally, the Western Trust was asked if there would be compliance given Creswell’s violence convictions, Katie’s 18 previous hospital attendances often presented by him as well as concerns raised to Social Services including his living arrangements, particularly with young children present.
Having initially contended it was not possible to comment due to confidentiality reasons, the Trust was reminded the enquiry centred on compliance with the review, in light of the points raised.
A spokesperson indicated there would be a response, however despite a number of reminders nothing has been received at the time of publishing.
