Dublin Pharmacist's Passport Plan Alleged

A Co Down lady pharmacist accused of killing her pensioner neighbour allegedly told another prisoner while she was in custody that she would pay up to £1,500 for a fake passport if a conviction looked likely.

The High Court in Belfast was told the details in an unsuccessful attempt to have Dublin-based Karen Walsh, 43, held in custody.

Details emerged during an appeal against a district judge's refusal to revoke bail for the accused.

Ms Walsh, the wife of prominent Dublin accountant Richard Durkin, was charged after Mrs Rankin's naked body was discovered on the bedroom floor of her home on Christmas Day.

She had suffered multiple injuries, with evidence pointing to some sort of sexual assault.

The accused, who had a house next door, is alleged to have visited the victim the night before and brought a bottle of vodka to drink.

Karen Walsh, who is charged with the murder of Maire Rankin, 81, in her Newry home, was also said to have undergone minor cosmetic surgery and asked about having more work done.

The court heard that gardai were alerted after a consultant who performed the €715 botox procedure ran a 'Google' check on his client when a cheque for payment bounced, a judge was told.

As the prosecution attempted to have Dublin-based Walsh, 43, held in custody a detective heading up the murder inquiry claimed DNA evidence now also links her to the crime.

Partial profiles matching Walsh were also discovered on the pensioner's breast, inner thigh and a shaft of hair, the court heard.

During the hearing it was also alleged that while in custody Walsh had confided to another woman prisoner at Hydebank near Belfast about a potential plan to acquire fake travel documents.

It was claimed the accused also told the prisoner that documents cost between €300 and €1,500, and that she would be acquiring the more expensive.

After hearing the appeal Lord Justice Coghlin said he was prepared to grant bail but ordered Walsh to live at an address in Belfast rather than Dublin.

The accused, who has already put up cash and assests of £60,000 in total, was also banned from entering Newry, banned from drinking alcohol, and told to report to police daily.

(BMcC/NS)