The trial into the rape and murder of Armagh showjumper Katie Simpson was halted this morning before the prosecution had concluded their opening statement, after the accused was found dead.
Prosecuting counsel Sam Magee KC told the court that Jonathan Creswell was found deceased at his home this morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson was called to the witness box and advised he had received information that at 9.00am this morning police in Derry confirmed a man deceased, and that a family member later confirmed it was Jonathan Creswell.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC addressed the jury stating that under these circumstances, they were discharged as the trial process in terms of Creswell had concluded.
