Destination Newry News - Maire Rankin Murder : Last Day Of Evidence From Accused

Belfast Crown Court heard the final evidence from the accused

, Ms Karen Walsh on Thursday 29th September 2011. The Judge, Mr Justice Harte advised the jury that they must not come to any conclusion until they had heard speeches from both himself and Counsel.

The accused, Ms Walsh is originally from Galway however lived in Dublin during the week and spent her weekends in her property on the Dublin Road, Newry, next door to 81 year old pensioner Maire Rankin. Ms Walsh is accused of the murder of Mrs. Rankin, who was found dead in her home, naked on her bedroom floor by her brother in law on Christmas morning 2008. Ms Rankin had suffered severe head injuries, broken ribs and it is believed that she had been sexually assaulted. Ms Walsh denies any involvement.

Belfast Crown Court has heard extensive evidence from various professionals in relation to the death of Mrs. Rankin. DNA expert Susan Woodroofe gave evidence during the trial and confirmed that there was less than one in one billion chance that the DNA evidence found on Mrs. Rankins chin was from someone other than Ms Walsh. Ms Walsh claims that she went to Mrs. Rankins house to wish her a happy Christmas, helped her with her nebuliser that she was using for breathing difficulties and hugged and kissed her before she left.

Ms Woodroffe could not give a similar statistical guarantee for DNA evidence found on Mrs.Rankins breasts and the crucifix, which is alleged to be the murder weapon as there was not enough DNA retrieved. She did however state that out of a possible 11 components, Ms Walsh matched 9 of them. The court also heard evidence from Professor Dan Crane who stated that he had significant concerns that statistical evidence could not be provided. He stated that in his view, the evidence was inconclusive.

The court has also reviewed police transcripts from the initial interview with Ms Walsh following the discovery of Mrs. Rankins body. It emerged that Ms Walsh had asked the Police on several occasions in or around 1.00pm on Christmas day whether Mrs. Rankin had been beaten, and referred to reading such information on teletext. The court however heard evidence from Deric Henderson, the Ireland Editor of the Press Association who confirmed that the report in relation to Mrs. Rankins murder was not published until 2.31pm on Christmas Day.

The case continues.

by: James P Martin

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