Destination Newry-day 3 Of Newry Murder Trial: Maire Rankin

Day 3 of the trial into the murder of Maire Rankin took place at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday 21st September 2011

. The Court learned about the first encounter the Police had with the accused, 45 year old pharmacist Karen Walsh, Mrs Rankins next door neighbour.

A detective sergeant gave evidence of her first encounter with Ms Walsh on Christmas Day 2008 when it emerged that Ms Walsh was with Mrs Rankin on the night she was killed. The Detective Sergeant confirmed that during her conversation with Ms Walsh, Ms Walsh enquired several times as to whether Mrs Rankin had been beaten and whether her door had been lying open. The Court was also told that Ms Walshs husband confirmed that his wife had been with Mrs Rankin the night she died.

Mrs Rankins neighbour Oliver Madden also gave evidence to the Court and confirmed that when he woke up on Christmas morning, he noticed a lot of police activity around Mrs Rankins home. He stated that he went outside and spoke to Mrs Rankins son Diarmuid who told him that the family believed that Mrs Rankin had been murdered. He also told the Court that he had received a phone call from Ms Walsh on Christmas evening and she had asked him, who was the last person to see your woman alive.

The Court has previously heard how Ms Walsh claims that she was indeed with Mrs Rankin on Christmas Eve night stating that she went to her home to bring her a Christmas present of a bottle of vodka. Mrs Walsh claims that when she went to Mrs Rankins home, Mrs Rankin buzzed her in and she then went upstairs and helped her with her inhalers. She states that she left the house a short time later and that Mrs Rankin was fine when she left.

The bottle of vodka was recovered in Mrs Rankins bedroom and was found to be nearly empty, with only 5ml of vodka remaining. The bottle was taken away and tested for DNA. The DNA results produced a mixed profile however confirmed that the major contributor was Ms Walsh. Ms Walshs defence barrister also questioned the evidential integrity of the alleged murder weapon, a family crucifix. He claimed that the crucifix was not boxed and sealed property which may have resulted in cross contamination. It later emerged however that the crucifix had been boxed and sealed in line with standard procedures.

The trial continues.

by: James P Martin

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