NI police handling of Katie Simpson case ‘reflected institutional misogyny’

Review finds force missed clear signs 21-year-old’s death was result of violent predator’s grooming and degradation

A catalogue of police failures in handling the suspected murder of a young woman in Northern Ireland reflected institutional misogyny, a report has found.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland missed clear warning signs that Katie Simpson’s death in August 2020 was not suicide but the result of abuse and control, an independent review said on Tuesday.

In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 988 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org