Legal News
Pensioner May Have Been Sexually Assaulted Following Her Murder, Court Told (21 September 2011)
Date: 21/09/2011
Belfast Crown Court has heard how Newry pensioner Maire Rankin may have been sexually assaulted following her murder at her home on Christmas Day in 2008. Mrs. Rankin’s next-door neighbour, Karen Walsh, is on trial charged with her murder. Miss Walsh denies the claims.
Belfast Crown Court heard that Mrs. Rankin had sustained a severe head injury and 15 broken ribs. A post mortem examination also uncovered bruising to the pensioner. The prosecution claimed that this may have occurred during a sexual assault following her death. Liam McCollum QC claimed that DNA evidence linked the accused to the murder. Mr. McCollum told the court that evidence suggested that Miss Walsh had carried out a "sustained" assault.
Miss Walsh claimed that she had visited Mrs. Rankin at her house on Christmas Eve night. She informed the court that she spent half an hour with Mrs. Rankin and the two had enjoyed drinks. Miss Walsh told the court that when she had left Mrs. Rankin’s house, Mrs. Rankin had put herself to bed.
Mrs. Rankin's brother-in-law, Arthur Morgan, found Mrs. Rankin’s body. He told the court that Mrs. Rankin’s normally immaculate living room was scattered with presents and that ornaments were found lying atop of the stairs. He described Mrs. Rankin’s bedroom to be "like a battle zone". On finding Mrs. Rankin's naked body on the floor, he attempted to resuscitate her but realised she was dead.
The case is set to continue over the coming weeks.
Duncan Lewis’ criminal solicitors understand the importance of high quality representation and are able to build cases based on their comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system.