A woman has appeared in court in connection with the death of her 82-year-old neighbour who was found beaten in her own home.

Mary Logie was found dead in the living room of her flat in the Green Gates area of Leven, Fife, at around 8pm on January 5.

The grandmother was a regular churchgoer who had planned to visit a friend in hospital that day but did not turn up.

High-visibility police patrols were carried out to reassure the local community and an appeal for information was made on Tuesday, two weeks on from the death.

On Thursday, Sandra Weir, 40, of Green Gates, Methil, appeared on petition at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

She made no plea or declaration to the single charge of murder during the brief hearing, which was held in private.

Solicitor David Fitzpatrick made no motion for bail on her behalf.

Sheriff Grant McCulloch continued the case for further examination and remanded Weir in custody ahead of a further hearing next week.

Mrs Logie was described as a "kind, friendly and outgoing" woman. She had recently returned home from spending Christmas with one of her sons in England.

Rev Gilbert Nisbet of Leven Parish Church said: "I have been the minister 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."

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