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Name: |
Karen Walsh |
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AKA: |
|
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D.O.B. |
|
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Kill
Total: |
1 |
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Kill
date: |
25
December 2008 |
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Kill
Place: |
Newry, N. Ireland |
|
Status: |
|
|
Occupation: |
Pharmacist |
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Victim: |
Marie Rankin |
|
D.O.B. |
|
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Court: |
Belfast Crown
Court |
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Case No: |
|
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Judge: |
Mr Justice
Tony Hart |
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Prosecution: |
Liam McCollum
QC |
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Defence: |
Peter Irvine |
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FACTFILE
Thursday 25th December
2008, 81 year old Marie Rankin was discovered in her
Newry home in Dublin Road, she had been beaten with a
crucifix and sexually assaulted, as well as sustaining 8
broken ribs.
After attacking the old lady who was using a nebuliser at
the time of the attack, Walsh removed her clothes in an
attempt to make it look like it was a sexual attack.
The crucifix used in the attack belonged to Ms Rankin who
was a devout Catholic.
The attack was so severe that the marks of the crown of
thorns from the family crucifix were found on Mrs Rankin's
chin
Saturday 27th December 2008, Karen Walsh is arrested
and charged with murder. Her response "I Can't believe this,
it is bizarre".
Thursday 22nd September 2011, Trial stars at Belfast
Crown court. Karen Walsh denied murder, insisting that her
neighbour Mrs Rankin was alive when she left after visiting
her on Christmas morning.
Monday 26th September 2011, Forensic biologist Sue
Woodroffe, a forensic expert told the jury that the chances
of DNA found on the victim's chin coming from someone other
than the alleged killer is one in a billion. She also
claimed that DNA from Walsh was found on the victims breasts
and on the crucifix itself.
Tuesday 4th October 2011, Karen Walsh is found guilty
of murdering Marie Rankin.
The judge adjourned passing sentence until probation reports
and victim impact statements had been lodged with the court,
Friday 28th October 2011 Karen Walsh is sentenced to
life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before parole.
Judge Mr Justice Hart said "she had inflicted a brutal and
sustained assault on a frail and vulnerable pensioner".
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