Latest news with #CoDerry
Irish Times
12-07-2025
- Irish Times
Olympian Abigail Lyle's abuse at the hands of Jonathan Creswell: ‘He hit my head off the window, off the dashboard'
Leaving Jonathan Creswell, a man who was beating and threatening to kill her and who would go on to murder showjumper Katie Simpson (21) , was 'the hardest thing' Abigail Lyle ever did. 'It was excruciating to leave,' she says, in what may seem a confounding admission, as she reflects on surviving a relationship defined by violence and control. The Olympic showjumper and horse-trainer , originally from Bangor, Co Down, was in a relationship with Creswell for just under a year, between 2008 and 2009. In that time, he came to dominate her – physically and emotionally – completely. READ MORE She describes herself as 'so lucky' in many ways, but particularly because her father, so concerned for her safety, put her in contact with a police domestic violence officer who supported her to extricate herself from Creswell. Even so, Lyle says: 'I remember feeling after I left him: 'Have I done the wrong thing?' You are filled with so much fear. So much self-loathing. You feel so alone. You have believed everything they [the abuser] have said to you, everything they have said about you. 'I remember at that point just feeling so lost. The anxiety – constant, absolutely crippling anxiety, because you had this person, who you loved, who has stripped you away completely. And now you are alone.' In 2010, Creswell, from Greysteel, Co Derry, was jailed for six months for multiple vicious and prolonged assaults on Lyle. A decade later, he murdered Katie at the house in Gortnessy Meadows in Lettershandoney, near Derry, where she had been living with her sister, Creswell's then partner. Jonathan Creswell, whose trial for the murder of Katie Simpson collapsed when he was found dead in his home after the first day. Photograph: Trevor McBride Speaking to The Irish Times by Zoom from her Cotswolds home, Lyle is 'really, really good – probably the best I have ever been'. A successful horse-trainer, last year she represented Ireland in dressage at the Paris Olympics. 'The last few years since Katie's death have been very tough. I hate to even say that, because it is not my loss. I didn't know her, but she looked like she was an absolutely wonderful girl. I wish I could have known her.' Lyle is speaking ahead of a three-part documentary on Katie's life and death at Creswell's hands, to be broadcast soon on Sky and Now TV. Death of a Showjumper tells the complex story of a predatory abuser operating in plain sight of mid-Ulster's 'horsey community', the botched police investigation, and how two dogged investigators – Det Sgt James Brannigan and journalist Tanya Fowles – brought Creswell's crime to light. It is also a compelling study of domestic violence and coercive control. Katie, from Tynan village near Armagh town and a promising horsewoman with a bubbly, mischievous personality, died in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry on August 9th, 2020 - six days after she was raped and beaten through the night by Creswell. The late Katie Simpson. Photograph: Family handout Her death was initially attributed to suicide – a narrative initiated by Creswell, who claimed he had found her, still alive, on August 3rd that year. The ready acceptance of his story, despite multiple bruises all over her body and concerns raised by hospital staff, by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), was found in an Ombudsman's report to have been 'flawed', and the Simpson family to have been 'failed'. Lyle's testimony at Creswell's trial in April last year would have been crucial in exposing him as a violent, manipulative and dangerous individual – far from the charismatic, kind and charming 'Johnny' he presented to the world. The trial collapsed abruptly when he was found dead in his home after the first day . 'I would have steamed through those [court] doors like a bull to speak about that man and to tell everybody what he was really like,' says Lyle. 'I was so determined. I really, really wanted to face him.' Losing that opportunity left her and many others feeling 'cheated and very angry' that Creswell appeared to have 'the last word', she says. 'But with reflection, he hasn't. We are all having the last words now with the documentary.' I am here for you day or night. My phone is open. I completely understand and I feel for you. I am not mad at you. I don't think worse of you — Abigail Lyle, on what to say to a loved one in an abusive relationship Her contribution, along with that of Jill Robinson, who had been in an abusive relationship with Creswell before her, are deeply affecting. 'I am especially proud of Jill,' says Lyle. 'She is the greatest person in the documentary.' Robinson remained loyal to Creswell even after they broke up in 2008 and was one of three women who received suspended sentences last year after pleading guilty to offences connected to Katie's death. She had washed the clothes Creswell was wearing on the morning he claimed to have cut Katie's body down. 'You don't understand how they [abusers] get into your head, just sort of take over your life,' says Robinson in the documentary. 'I am deeply sorry. It is still very early days of trying to wrap your head around how you can let somebody, you know, have so much control over you and cloud your judgment and let you make rash, stupid decisions that can, in turn, wreck your life.' Lyle was 23 in October 2008, beginning her career with horses, when she met the talented and accomplished rider, Creswell, at an equestrian event. 'He was just so confident and charming and cocky and cheeky. But also very thoughtful, sweet and kind - just an alluring person,' she says. Despite 'red flags' from the beginning – such as him taking calls from other women in her company and lying to them about being with her, she ignored them. 'I was saying, in my head, 'Why doesn't he want to say he's with me?'' but also questioning her right to be hurt by that. 'I just remember thinking, 'Oh right. Okay'.' He constantly checked her phone and said he didn't like her personality when she had been with friends or family. He first assaulted her in February 2009, after a row during which she had left and gone out with friends. He later texted, apologising and asking whether he could collect her. In the documentary, she graphically describes the assault – and Creswell's emotional manipulation of her in its aftermath. 'We got in the car and he swerved right, and my phone flew out of my hand ... He said, 'You won't be needing that'. 'Out of nowhere he grabbed the back of my head, he hit my head off the window, off the dashboard. I was like, curled up, and he just hit me over my body, over and over and over. The shock of it. I always thought I would defend myself, but this crazy instinct took over. You will do or say anything to calm that person down because you are very aware you cannot win that fight,' she says. 'When he started to say, 'I'm really sorry I'll never do that again. Oh my goodness. I really love you. Why did I do that?'… As soon as they say, 'Sorry', that pain is gone. Lifted. 'The relief was unbelievable and it was like oxygen. By then I was in it. 'You think it's because of you. I shouldn't be doing these things, shouldn't be saying these things, I should be acting in a different way to stop this side of him coming out. But he got worse.' Abigail Lyle in three-part documentary Death of a Showjumper, to be broadcast on Sky and Now TV soon. Beatings happened regularly, leaving visible bruises. 'Pretty much everyone in my life was concerned, was asking what was going on. And there's only so much you can say, 'I fell', or a horse trampled me.' Her father contacted Nuala Lappin, a specialist PSNI domestic violence officer. 'Bringing her into my life was a massive, massive saving grace,' Lyle says. 'We kind of started a communication, just on the phone, for a couple of months before I left [Creswell]. 'She said, 'I know you are not ready to [leave Creswell], but you can and you will'. She was amazing, she was the only person who understood ... Everyone's reaction [to her relationship with Creswell] was anger. A lot of people were so angry with me. They were like: 'Why are you going back? Why?' 'Nuala was the only person who truly understood why at that time I couldn't. Having her advice is probably why I am here today.' Abigail Lyle during the Team Ireland Paris 2024 team announcement for Equestrian in July 2024. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Asked whether the relationship was addictive, she says 'completely'. 'It took a lot of years to figure that out. The thing is, you have all these conflicting emotions because you love the person. And they know how to prey on you, how to prey on parts of you. Johnny definitely played on my empathy, made me feel sorry for him.' [ Murdered showjumper Katie Simpson was 'stolen' from family says father as watchdog criticises police Opens in new window ] Simultaneously, he made her feel like a 'bad person' who was 'so defiant', who could not be loved or valued without him. She believed she would be 'ostracised' from her community if she left, that her life would be 'horrific'. 'What people don't understand is that at that moment, when you are in so much pain and this person has beat you, called you names and made you feel so small, and awful, when they then turn round and say, 'I am so sorry. I love you so much. I promise I will never do it again'. It takes all that pain away, very temporarily – but they take it away and it is like a relief. And that keeps you there.' [ 'Abundantly clear' PSNI made mistakes in Katie Simpson murder investigation, says chief constable Opens in new window ] Lappin saved her, she says. 'She was so important to me. I hope she knows that.' News of Creswell's arrest for Katie's murder 11 years later was 'devastating', but not surprising. 'I always thought he was capable of something like that,' she says. When he was found dead, and police said the death was not being treated as suspicious, it showed 'he was more scared of us in the end ... He'd lost control and he knew he couldn't win this one,' she says. To anyone currently concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship, she advises: 'You want to build that person up. They are probably going to be thinking really badly about themselves. They have been told awful things about themselves by their partner. 'I would advise them to say to their loved one: 'I think I know what is happening. I am here for you day or night. My phone is open. I completely understand and I feel for you. I am not mad at you. I don't think worse of you.'' And to anyone in an abusive relationship, she would say: 'You are not alone. There are people in your life, or organisations ... Please reach out. It is the most powerful thing you will ever do. There is an amazing life on the other side. 'And if your abuser is telling you there is not, they are lying.' Death of a Showjumper airs on Sky and Now soon To call Women's Aid in the Republic: 1800 341 900 In Northern Ireland: 0808 802 1414 The cover-up: How Jonathan Creswell tried to get away with murder - Part 1 Listen | 25:05
Irish Times
11-07-2025
- Irish Times
Man (60) arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of Charles Dooher
A 60-year-old man was arrested in Co Derry on Friday afternoon on suspicion of the attempted murder of Lifford man Charles Dooher . The man was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and remains in custody. A PSNI spokesperson confirmed: 'Detectives assisting colleagues from An Garda Síochána with the investigation into the attempted murder of a man in Lifford, Co Donegal, have made an arrest. 'A 60-year-old man was arrested in the Derry/Londonderry area this afternoon, Friday 11th July, on suspicion of the attempted murder of a man aged in his 20s on Monday, 20th January.' READ MORE It follows the arrest of a woman by gardaí earlier last Sunday. The woman in her 50s was released on Thursday after being questioned at a Garda station in west Donegal. A file on the arrest is to be compiled and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Dooher (26), suffered life-changing injuries when he was set upon by five masked men at his home on the Coneyburrow Road in Lifford, Co Donegal, on the night of January 20th last. The victim and his father, Charles snr, were repeatedly beaten. Mr Dooher snr, who is in his 60s, received treatment for less serious injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital. Charles Dooher jnr was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and he was treated in intensive care for several weeks. His family, as well as his girlfriend Charlotte Gallen, kept a bedside vigil. The young farmer had a number of operations and a protective plate fitted to his head. Now in recovery, Charles recently visited his local GAA club, Naomh Padraig Leifear, to watch his teammates play. Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for any information or witnesses related to this incident. Those with camera footage, including dash-cam footage, from the Coneyburrow Road in Lifford between 10am and 11am on January 20, are urged to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. They are particularly anxious to speak to anyone with footage of a silver/grey Peugeot 3008 (2009-2013 model).
BreakingNews.ie
10-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
No legal basis to appeal paedophile GP sentence, PPS says
There is no legal basis to refer the sentence imposed on a GP who had more than 200 indecent images of children to the Court of Appeal, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said. Concern had been expressed by some politicians following the sentencing last month of Alan Trevor Campbell, 40, of Silverbrook Park in Newbuildings, Co Derry. Advertisement He pleaded guilty to 11 offences around possessing indecent images of children on dates between October 2014 and January 2022. He was sentenced to 75 hours of community service and was given a two-year probation order at Downpatrick Crown Court. The PPS had previously said it was considering if there was a legal basis to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal. But in a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson said it had been 'unable to identify any legal error' in the sentencing process in the case. Advertisement The spokesperson said: 'The PPS recognises that there is rightly public concern when cases involving indecent images of children come before the courts, particularly where the defendant is in a position of trust. 'The courts also recognise that the abuse of young and vulnerable children in the production of indecent images is abhorrent. 'Those who access such material perpetuate the market for this abuse and are guilty by association with those who originally carried out despicable acts in creating the images in the first place.' The spokesperson said the PPS had taken into consideration the judge's sentencing remarks and sentencing guidelines in the Campbell case. Advertisement The statement added: 'While there is understandable condemnation of anyone caught with any amount of indecent images, the independent judiciary have set clear guidelines that have to be followed when sentencing all offenders to ensure a consistency in approach. 'Having carefully considered the detailed sentencing remarks prepared by the judge, we have been unable to identify any legal error and do not consider that this is a case which could be successfully referred to the Court of Appeal on the basis that the sentence was unduly lenient. 'Therefore, there is no legal basis for the PPS to refer it for consideration.'
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Co Derry Red Bull Junior driver set to race live on Sky Sports from Silverstone this weekend
Fionn McLaughlin, the 17-year-old rising star from Co Derry and Red Bull Junior Driver, is set to take on his most significant challenge yet this weekend – with both of his British Formula 4 races being broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2025 coverage. Advertisement For the first time ever, Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, and British F4 will all be featured at Silverstone on the same weekend – with McLaughlin and his fellow F4 drivers sharing the circuit with the sport's top-tier competitors and racing in front of tens of thousands at the track and millions more tuning in from home. Fans will get their first chance to watch McLaughlin on TV, with both of his races being aired live on Sky Sports: READ MORE: Andy Murray opens up about split from wife Kim as he makes honest confession READ MORE: Conor Bradley lost for words following death of 'incredible person' Diogo Jota Advertisement British F4 Race Schedule (Sky Sports Broadcast) - Race 1: Saturday, July 5 – 16:45 on Sky Sports Mix; Race 2: Sunday, July 6 – 08:20 on Sky Sports F1. In his debut British F4 season, McLaughlin has already made a significant impact on the grid. He secured his first race win at Snetterton earlier this year and currently tops the British F4 Championship and Rookie Cup standings, demonstrating the speed and calmness that led to his selection for the Red Bull Junior Driver Team in 2024. The Magherafelt native is part of a new wave of Irish talent making a splash in international motorsport – closely following Alex Dunne, who made headlines last weekend after getting behind the wheel of an F1 car for the very first time. Advertisement McLaughlin was chosen for the Red Bull Junior Team after an impressive performance at the Red Bull Driver Search in Jerez, Spain – the same programme that kick-started the careers of Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo. Both of this weekend's races will also be broadcast live on the official British F4 YouTube channel.
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Irish Times
Belfast court rejects double murderer Hazel Stewart's bid to have sentence reduced
Double murderer Hazel Stewart has been refused leave to appeal against the length of her sentence for killing her husband and the wife of her ex-lover in 1991. A panel of judges at the Court of Appeal in Belfast ruled that the sentence imposed on Stewart (62), a former Sunday school teacher, was 'neither wrong nor manifestly excessive'. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan told the court that Stewart's latest attempted appeal would have caused 'stress and upset' to the families of those she killed. She is serving a minimum 18 years behind bars for the killing of police constable Trevor Buchanan (32) and Lesley Howell (31), the wife of her former lover Colin Howell. READ MORE Both were found in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, Co Derry, in May 1991. Police originally believed they had died in a suicide pact, after discovering their partners were having an extramarital affair. Instead, they had been drugged and murdered and their bodies arranged to make it look as though they had taken their own lives. Nearly two decades passed before dentist Howell (65) confessed to both killings. He implicated Stewart and she was ordered to serve at least 18 years, at her trial in 2011. Stewart launched her appeal against the length of her sentence on the basis of fresh psychiatric evidence that suggested she was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the murders and had been coercively controlled by Howell. Stewart, watched the court of appeal ruling via a video-link from Hydebank Prison. The judge said the fresh psychiatric evidence had been presented 'well after the event' and 'places reliance on prison records to contradict the case made by all other experts'. She said: 'Even if there were any traction in the points now made, which we do not find, the trial judge also made allowance for Howell's control in the sentence he passed. 'No injustice arises in refusing to reopen this long-concluded appeal on these facts.' She added: 'We record this was a double murder of spouses in the cruellest of circumstances. 'Our overall view is that the sentence was neither wrong nor manifestly excessive. 'We refuse leave to admit the new evidence or to extend time as we are not convinced the new evidence establishes a valid ground of appeal.' – PA
