Woman's murder: couple quizzed

A SCOTTISH couple were being questioned by gardaí in Co Waterford last night in connection with the violent death of mother-of-two Mary Walsh.

A 58-year-old man was arrested in Wexford town at 11.30am yesterday morning, while his 33-year-old wife was detained just two hours later when police picked her up in the Co Waterford village of Kilmacthomas.

Both were being held in Tramore Garda Station, in separate cells, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The dramatic double arrest came as experts from the Garda Technical Bureau carried out a detailed technical examination of the couple's house. It is believed traces of human blood were found.

Mrs Walsh, 55, is believed to have had up to €10,000 in her possession when she went missing on Monday. Gardaí believe she went to the man's house for a business meeting, as both worked for the same credit company.

It's understood Mrs Walsh, from Glendalligan near Leamybrien, intended to lodge the money in the bank, but the cash, all in notes, has yet to be recovered.

Mrs Walsh's bludgeoned body was found on Tuesday afternoon, locked in the boot of her car which was parked in Waterford City.

Supt Gerry Lynch, who is leading the Garda inquiry, told the media that the arrest of the man in Wexford had been the result of "good intelligence".

He refused to comment on speculation that the man was en route to Rosslare, intending to catch the 4pm ferry to France, but confirmed that Mrs Walsh had been the victim of a violent attack.

"Her family are totally devastated that their loved one could be murdered in such a callous way," he said.

He did not elaborate on the extent of Mrs Walsh's injuries, nor did he disclose the findings of the post mortem carried out on her body.

However, he confirmed that gardaí are not now looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

It's understood the Scottish couple married in 2000 and moved to Ireland two years ago to live in a rented house at Ashbourne Lower, in Kilmacthomas.

Both the man and the woman offered no resistance when arrested. A local solicitor visited the couple at the Garda station yesterday but refused to comment on the meeting.

No murder weapon has yet been found, but gardaí are continuing their search of the couple's house and surrounding area for clues.

It also emerged last night that Mrs Walsh had been the victim of a mugging in Youghal late last year when an undisclosed amount of money was snatched from her.