Murder accused 'face switch' fear

Maire Rankin's body was found at her home on Christmas Day

A murder suspect may have cosmetic surgery and try to obtain a false passport, the PSNI fears.

This emerged at a bail hearing for pharmacist Karen Walsh in Newry on Monday.

She is accused of murdering her 81-year-old neighbour Maire Rankin in County Down on Christmas Day last year.

The PSNI failed in its attempt to have Ms Walsh's bail revoked, but this decision is to be appealed at the High Court this week.

Mrs Rankin's body was discovered in her home on the Dublin Road in Newry by a relative. She had suffered multiple injuries.

Ms Walsh, who has a pharmacy business in Dublin, was subsequently charged with the murder.

She was freed on bail and has been living at an address in Dublin while signing on once a week with police in Newry.

Ms Walsh admits being in Ms Rankin's home on Christmas Eve but denies any involvement in the killing.

PSNI detectives said on Monday they wanted her bail revoked because they fear she might undergo cosmetic surgery, get a false passport and flee.

On hearing the evidence, the district judge at Newry Court said he was not satisfied that the prosecution had proven its case and he ruled that Ms Walsh should be allowed remain out on bail while awaiting trial for the murder.