Top PSNI Detective Fights Back

Senior PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell is suing the BBC and Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister over comments in a documentary about the police investigation into Katie Simpson's death. Caldwell, who survived a 2023 assassination attempt, disputes McAllister’s critique of the police’s initial ruling of suicide in Simpson's case.

In the course of the documentary, McAllister reflected on Caldwell's position as the leader of a PSNI unit, which has now emerged as the focal point of this legal contention. At a Policing Board assembly earlier this month, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher tackled the uproar, conceding that the PSNI encountered errors during the preliminary phase of their inquiry. Nonetheless, Boutcher resolutely supported Caldwell, asserting that he is not subject to any inquiry into misconduct.

Katie Simpson of Tynan, County Armagh, died in the hospital a week after a troubling incident at Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August 3, 2020. Initially ruled a suicide, her case took a dramatic turn in 2021 when Jonathan Creswell, her sister’s partner with a history of abusive behavior, was charged with her murder. Creswell, 36, was found dead in April, abruptly ending the legal proceedings over the alleged rape and murder of Simpson.

Caldwell’s legal team, represented by WP Tweed and Co, acknowledged that the Spotlight program raised “important concerns” regarding the police investigation. However, they argue that the legal action targets what they describe as “false allegations and inaccuracies” that have the potential to damage Caldwell's personal and professional reputation.

In a statement to PA, WP Tweed and Co asserted that their client acknowledges the tragic circumstances surrounding Katie Simpson's murder and the PSNI Chief Constable's apology for investigative errors. However, they firmly reject the false claims aimed at damaging his reputation.

McAllister, through her lawyer Kevin Winters, stood by her remarks, emphasizing PSNI failures in the Katie Simpson case and promising to contest any legal action. A BBC spokesperson defended the Spotlight program, citing its focus on "significant public interest" and adherence to editorial standards.