An independent review found institutional misogyny and safeguarding failures across multiple agencies, with missteps by the PSNI and health and social services contributing to Katie Simpson’s death while offering the family some heartening signs of accountability.

Warning signs and incidents before Katie’s death were not properly linked or acted upon, a core factor in the tragedy highlighted by the report.

Key figures, including Justice Minister Naomi Long and solicitor Kevin Winters, conveyed the family’s response and the report’s broader implications.

The family says engaging with the report was tough but hopeful, believing the recommendations and systemic change could address issues that persisted for years.

An oral statement announced the creation of an implementation group led by Dr. Melia to ensure all 16 recommendations are acted upon and embedded.

Long described the findings as uncomfortable yet necessary and emphasized that the implementation group will coordinate the 16 recommendations to drive real change.

The review scrutinized safeguarding and involvement across healthcare and other agencies as part of a wider assessment beyond policing.

Katie’s family urged stronger safeguards in the equestrian sector to protect young women, calling for vigilance, mentoring, and better protections within the industry.

The report faulted officers for a lack of professional curiosity, noting they failed to consider abuse or control and did not preserve crucial evidence in Creswell’s case.

Sixteen recommendations focus on training and safeguarding across policing, social services, health services, and the equestrian sector to prevent future failures.

The report notes multiple abuse reports by 37 individuals and highlights missed inconsistencies in Creswell’s accounts, failed evidence handling, and missed digital communications.

Katie Simpson, 21, from Tynan, Co Armagh, died after treatment in Altnagelvin Area Hospital; initial police inquiries suggested suicide, with Creswell later arrested in connection with her case.