In court for murder of OAP Mary, her woman neighbour
A NEIGHBOUR of pensioner Mary Logie appeared in court yesterday charged with her murder.
The 82-year-old was found, apparently beaten to death, on January 5.
Police investigating the killing at her home in Green Gates, Leven, Fife, arrested a woman on Wednesday night.
Yesterday, Sandra Weir, 40, also of Green Gates, appeared on petition at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Fife. She made no plea or declaration to the single charge of murder during the brief private hearing.
Solicitor David Fitzpatrick made no motion for bail on her behalf.
Sheriff Grant McCulloch continued the case and remanded Weir in custody ahead of a further hearing next week.
Mrs Logie’s body was discovered in her home around 8pm. She had last been seen that morning when she said she was planning to go shopping, then visit a friend in hospital.
A neighbour discovered her body after concerns were raised when she failed to answer her phone or make her planned visits.
Mrs Logie had lived in the flat for 45 years. Her husband Walter died in 1987, at the age of 56.
Her sons Derek and Ronald live in England, while her daughter Caryl is in Australia.
Mrs Logie’s friends and neighbours expressed shock yesterday as the news spread.
William Allen, 81, said: ‘ It’s come as a shock, a total shock. Mary was such a nice lady.
‘She had lived there since that house was built and she should have lived her life out there.
‘I’m happy someone has been arrested.’
Some of Mary’s neighbours believe it will take a long time to get over the shock.
A friend, who attended Leven Parish Church with Mrs Logie, said: ‘ The trouble is that you wake up in the middle of the night and your brain just goes straight to it. It was such a shock.
‘I am so grateful for the way the police handled the situation. Their visibility has been so comforting. They get so many brickbats and not many bouquets.’
Another neighbour said: ‘Ever since i t happened, we have always made sure all the windows and doors are locked. It will take some time for things to get back to normal around here.’
Mrs Logie was a devoted churchgoer. The Rev Gilbert Nisbet of Leven Parish Church said: ‘The whole community is shocked. I have been the minis- ter here for nine years and she came virtually every Sunday and I would chat to her at the door.
‘Mary was friendly and outgoing, a kind lady who was bright and interesting to talk to. People are absolutely stunned.’
Police had earlier said they were ‘using all resources to bring her killer to justice’.
Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale, local area commander for North-East Fife, said: ‘I wish to thank the Leven community who have assisted police since the start of this investigation and shown tremendous support for the work being carried out.
‘We have spoken to a number of people who have all been extremely forthcoming and willing to help in any way they can.
‘Although such crimes are extremely rare for Leven, Mary’s death has had a significant impact on the public.
‘In the meantime, our inquiry is ongoing and we will continue to have high-visibility patrols within the Green Gates area for the time being.’
Councillor Tom Adams, chairman of Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee, added: ‘First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of Mary Logie at this extremely difficult time.
‘It’s tragic and there is no doubt this despicable crime has left l ocal residents shocked and angry. But, as is often the case, t he community has come together and is not only supporting one another but also the excellent work being carried out by the police.
‘I’m confident this support will continue throughout the course of this investigation and I urge anyone who has information that might assist with this ongoing effort to contact police.’
‘An extremely difficult time’