'Murder accused's passport plan'

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

A pharmacist accused of killing her pensioner neighbour allegedly told another prisoner she would pay up to £1,500 for a fake passport.

This was if Karen Walsh looked likely to be convicted of 81-year-old Maire Rankin's murder in Newry last year, the High Court heard on Wednesday.

Prosecutors were appealing a judge's decision not to revoke Ms Walsh's bail.

This was upheld, but she was ordered to stay at an address in Belfast rather than Dublin where she had been living.

She has also been ordered to report to police daily.

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

The High Court also heard Karen Walsh had minor cosmetic surgery and asked about having more work done.

Gardai were alerted after a consultant who performed the 715 euro botox procedure ran a Google check on his client when a cheque for payment bounced.

The detective heading the murder inquiry also claimed DNA evidence now links Ms Walsh to the crime.

According to Detective Inspector John Caldwell, forensic findings have established DNA links with a broken crucifix found lying beside the body.

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

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

The accused, who has already put up cash and assets of £60,000 for bail, was also banned from entering Newry and drinking alcohol.