Jury sworn in for Katie Simpson murder trial
Katie Simpson died following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney in August 2020
- Published
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a man charged with the rape and murder of a young female showjumper in County Londonderry.
Jonathan Creswell, 36, who has an address which cannot be disclosed due to a court order, has denied the murder of Ms Simpson following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on 3 August 2020.
Ms Simpson, who was originally from the village of Tynan in County Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Hospital six days later, having never regained consciousness.
The defendant, who is currently on bail, is also accused of raping Ms Simpson on a date unknown between 2 August 2020 and 4 August 2020.
The jury was selected at Londonderry Crown Court on Monday and the trial is due to be heard at Coleraine Courthouse on Tuesday.
Trial could last six weeks
Three women have already pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the death of the young showjumper.
Jill Robinson, 42, from Blackfort Road in Omagh, has admitted perverting the course of justice on 3 August 2020.
Rose De Montmorency-Wright, 22, from Craigantlet Road in Newtownards, County Down, has admitted withholding information between 9 October 2020 and 13 October 2021.
She lived with Mr Creswell and his partner Christina Simpson - Katie Simpson's sister - at the time.
Hayley Robb, 30, from Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, County Down, has admitted withholding information and two charges of perverting the course of justice.
The case, which will be heard before eight women and four men, is expected to last between four and six weeks.
The trial is expected to hear from witnesses linked to the equestrian sector in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.