dailymail.co.uk on October 04, 2011 reported that a pharmacist who bludgeoned a defenceless pensioner to death with a crucifix in a violent and drunken attack has been jailed for life. Karen Walsh, 45, from Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland launched the attack on her elderly 81-year-old neighbour Maire Rankin on Christmas Day 2008. She tore clumps of hair from her head and inflicted head injuries and broken ribs on her victim, while a crown of thorns left a distinctive bruise on her chin. Following the sustained assault Walsh then sexually assaulted Mrs Maire Rankin, 81, before fleeing to her home at the house next door. A jury at Belfast Crown Court found her guilty with a unanimous verdict after retiring for just under two hours at the end of the trial. Following the verdict, Mr Justice Anthony Hart warned Walsh she would serve a lengthy sentence.

The original article can be found at dailymail.co.uk.