Court archive
Court reports mentioning Killybegs, Donegal
2026-07-23 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of the murder of Robert Robin' Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in Donegal, have appealed their convictions to the Court of Appeal. The trial heard that the pair allegedly beat Mr Wilkin with a rock and threw his body over the cliffs. Vial's counsel argued that his client was prejudiced by hearing his co-accused's admissions, which blamed Vial for the fatal blows, and contended they should have been tried separately. He maintained Vial denied striking the victim and lacked independent evidence of guilt beyond his co-accused's statements. Burns's counsel argued her incriminating statements were involuntary due to intoxication and should have been excluded. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that there was ample evidence of Vial's guilt and that private statements are admissible. The prosecution noted the trial judge's warnings to the jury were impeccable. The court, comprising Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Ms Justice Tara Burns, and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
2026-02-20 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, who were convicted in March 2025 of murdering Robert Robin Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in County Donegal, have been granted a hearing date for their conviction appeals. Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, had pleaded not guilty to the charge relating to events on 25 June 2023. A jury rejected their competing accounts of responsibility for the death. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, listed the matter for case management on 20 February and set 23 July for the full hearing of appeals, which is expected to occupy one day. The victim's body was recovered from the sea eight days after the incident.
2025-12-12 · Donegal
A criminal who assaulted, raped and coercively controlled his partner during a six-week relationship in which she endured 'violence and extreme degradation' will remain in prison after a court today rejected his appeal against conviction. Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences, including four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward, who was jailed for 17 years, does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence. He was also jailed in 2016 for four years for falsely imprisoning and assaulting a young mother in November 2015. Survivor Ms Sinéad O'Neill, who was the victim in both cases, was also convicted in the trial. At Ward's sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me,' she said. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.
2025-06-20 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of murdering Robert Wilkin near Sliabh Liag in County Donegal, have been denied legal aid for a third senior barrister to represent them in their Court of Appeal bid to overturn their convictions. Mr Justice John Edwards ruled that legal aid would cover two counsel per defendant, stating he must have regard to public resources. Vial, aged 39, from Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, from Carrick, were found guilty by Central Criminal Court jury in March of murdering the 66-year-old on 25 June 2023. Mr Wilkin's body was recovered from the sea below the cliffs eight days after he was thrown over. The judge noted that appeal hearings are shorter than trials, do not involve live evidence, and are typically presented by a single barrister. The prosecution informed the court it would not seek three counsel for its case. Burns's application to extend her appeal deadline was granted.
2025-05-06 · Donegal
A man convicted of raping, assaulting and coercively controlling a woman over a six-week period has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, arguing his trial was prejudiced by inadmissible evidence. Dean Ward, aged 38, was found guilty in June 2022 of twelve offences committed between June and July 2019 against a woman in Killybegs, County Donegal. He received a sentence of eighteen years, suspended by one year. Ward's counsel submitted that the complainant's references during evidence to previous threats to kill, and prosecution remarks concerning bank transfers, created unfairness that could not be remedied by judicial direction. Counsel also challenged the admission of impact evidence given by the complainant. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel countered that such evidence was admissible and essential to establish the complainant's state of mind and the coercive control element of the offences. Mr Justice John Edwards reserved judgment, with a decision to follow.
2025-03-07 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns were convicted of the murder of Robin Wilkin, 66, at the Central Criminal Court on Thursday following a two-month trial. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed the mandatory life sentence on each defendant yesterday. Vial, aged 39, from Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, had both pleaded not guilty to the charge. A jury returned guilty verdicts by majority, ten to two. The court heard that Mr Wilkin suffered severe head injuries after being struck multiple times with a rock near Killybegs on June 25, 2023. His body was subsequently disposed of from Sliabh Liag cliffs. At sentencing, Mr Wilkin's sister Irene McAleer delivered a victim-impact statement, stating the family was overwhelmed by the defendants' absence of remorse and distressed by the manner in which the body was discarded. Vial's sentence was backdated to July 14, 2023, and Burns' to August 29, 2023.
2025-03-06 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns have been found guilty of murdering 66-year-old Robert Wilkin at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned majority verdicts of ten to two against each accused. Wilkin's body was discovered in the sea below Sliabh Liag cliffs in County Donegal on June 25, 2023, eight days after his death. The trial heard that Wilkin suffered at least two depressed fractures to the head before being thrown from the cliff. DNA evidence linked blood and hair found on a rock at the cliff top to the victim. Both accused blamed the other for the assault, but the prosecution argued they acted in joint enterprise to cause serious harm. Vial, aged 39 from Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23 from Carrick, had pleaded not guilty. Both will receive the mandatory life sentence at a sentencing hearing, where the victim's family will make statements to the court.
2025-03-06 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns were convicted of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. The court found that the pair killed 66-year-old Robert Wilkin and disposed of his body by throwing it off Sliabh Liag, Ireland's tallest cliffs. Following their convictions, Vial and Burns face the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder. The prosecution alleged that the defendants struck Wilkin with a rock, stole his cash and personal items, and fabricated a story claiming he had sexually assaulted Burns. Vial testified in his own defence, alleging Wilkin attacked him first, but the jury rejected his account. The State Pathologist testified that the blows to Wilkin's head would not have caused instant death, contradicting Vial's claims. The court noted Vial's history of offending and his attempts to destroy evidence, including washing blood from his hands at Teelin Pier. The matter was finalised with the mandatory life sentences imposed on both defendants.
2025-03-04 · Donegal
A jury has begun deliberations in the Central Criminal Court in the murder trial of two Co Donegal residents. Alan Vial, aged 39, from Drumanoo Head in Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, aged 23, from Carrick, have each pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin on 25 June 2023. The 66-year-old's body was discovered at Sliabh Liag. The prosecution alleges both accused engaged in a joint enterprise to cause serious harm to Mr Wilkin. However, each has accused the other of striking the fatal blow with a rock. Mr Justice Paul McDermott charged the jury that if they find either accused not guilty of murder, they may consider an alternative verdict of impeding the prosecution of their co-accused. The jury of seven women and five men spent approximately two hours deliberating before adjourning. They will resume consideration of their verdict tomorrow.
2025-02-27 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott has warned the jury that it would be dangerous to rely on the testimony of Alan Vial, who has implicated his co-accused Nikita Burns in the death of Robert Wilkin. Both deny murdering the 66-year-old man, whose body was discovered in the sea near Sliabh Liag in Donegal on June 33, 2023, eight days after he died. The prosecution alleges that Vial and Burns were engaged in a joint enterprise to cause serious harm to Wilkin before placing him over the cliffs. Vial testified that Burns struck Wilkin with a rock, while Burns told gardaí that Vial inflicted the fatal blows. The judge instructed the jury that whilst Vial's cross-examined court evidence may be considered against Burns, uncorroborated testimony from a co-accused on the same charge carries inherent risks of fabrication or false implication. The jury was also directed on alternative verdicts and the distinction between murder and impeding prosecution. The trial continues next week. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty. Nikita Burns pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-26 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, closing arguments concluded in the trial of two people charged with the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin near Sliabh Liag in County Donegal on 25 June 2023. Nikita Burns (23) of Carrick and Alan Vial (39) of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, have both pleaded not guilty to the charge. Defence counsel for Ms Burns contended she was a bystander to the killing and had no part in placing Mr Wilkin over the cliffs. She has pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person, having cleaned blood from a vehicle. Counsel for Mr Vial argued the evidence demonstrates Ms Burns inflicted the fatal blows. Mr Wilkin's remains were recovered from the sea eight days after the alleged murder. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster identified two depressed skull fractures inconsistent with the cliff fall. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will charge the jury tomorrow.
2025-02-25 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution has described Alan Vial, aged 39, of Killybegs, County Donegal, as a "cynical liar" who fabricated his account to evade responsibility for the death of 66-year-old Robert Robin' Wilkin. Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, told the jury that Mr Vial claimed his co-accused Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, delivered the fatal blows after the three had spent time in public houses together in June 2023. The prosecution alleges that both accused acted with joint intention to cause serious harm. Mr Wilkin's body was subsequently deposited at Sliabh Liag cliffs. The prosecution case relies on DNA evidence, CCTV footage, blood spatter analysis, and admissions allegedly made by Ms Burns to witnesses. Mr Condon submitted that evidence against Ms Burns constitutes the "clearest possible case of murder." Both accused have pleaded not guilty to murder. Defence closing speeches and the judge's charge to the jury are scheduled to follow.
2025-02-24 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, the State Pathologist gave evidence in the trial of two individuals charged with the murder of a man alleged to have been pushed from Sliabh Liag cliffs in County Donegal in June 2023. Dr Margaret Bolster told the court that two skull fractures identified on the deceased would not have caused immediate death if they were the only injuries sustained. She stated the fractures were consistent with blows from a blunt object rather than a fall from the cliff, but that such injuries would have resulted in death within five to thirty minutes due to blood loss. The cause of death remains undetermined due to the body's advanced decomposition following eight days in the sea. Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, have both pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury will hear closing speeches following the completion of evidence.
2025-02-14 · Donegal
The trial of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns at the Central Criminal Court has been adjourned for ten days to allow legal representatives to address an outstanding matter. Both defendants deny murdering Robert Robin Wilkin, whose body was discovered in the sea below Sliabh Liag in Donegal in July 2023, eight days after his alleged death on 25 June. Mr Justice Paul McDermott informed the jury of twelve that proceedings will resume on 24 February. The trial, which commenced on 17 January, had been anticipated to conclude this week or next. Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, both deny the murder charge. State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster identified depressed fractures to the deceased's skull inconsistent with injuries sustained from a cliff fall. A rock found at the cliff top, bearing blood and DNA matching the deceased, was presented as potentially consistent with causing those injuries. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty. Nikita Burns pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-12 · Donegal
Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, denied during cross-examination at the Central Criminal Court that he fabricated allegations against his co-accused to evade responsibility for the death of Robert Robin Wilkin, aged 66. Mr Vial, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, maintains he did not strike the deceased with a rock. He claims his co-accused, Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, struck Mr Wilkin twice on the back of the head with a rock during an altercation in a vehicle near Roshine on 25 June 2023. Ms Burns has also pleaded not guilty to murder. During cross-examination, Mr Vial acknowledged providing false accounts to gardaí during interviews but insisted his current testimony is truthful. He confirmed wading into Teelin Pier to wash blood from his clothing but denied this indicated culpability. The trial continues.
2025-02-11 · Donegal
Alan Vial, 39, and Nikita Burns, 23, are on trial accused of murdering 66-year-old Robert 'Robin' Wilkin and disposing of his body over the cliffs at Sliabh Liag in Donegal. In his direct evidence, Mr Vial admitted to lying to gardai in 2023 regarding the circumstances of Mr Wilkin's death. He accepted that he and Ms Burns fabricated a story claiming the deceased had sexually assaulted Ms Burns, a narrative he initiated to protect her. Mr Vial denied striking Mr Wilkin with a rock, instead alleging that Ms Burns struck the deceased on the back of the head twice during a fight in a car on Roshine Road. He stated he drove to Sliabh Liag with the deceased in the vehicle and placed him over the cliff. Mr Vial also admitted to washing blood from his clothes at Teelin Pier and discarding a blue shirt at sea to destroy evidence, confirming that the shirt found by searchers was his. He rejected suggestions that he had carefully constructed lies to disguise a premeditated killing. The trial is ongoing; the jury was informed that a legal issue has arisen which will delay proceedings, and they are scheduled to return tomorrow.
2025-02-10 · Donegal
A 39-year-old man accused of murder has testified at the Central Criminal Court that his co-accused struck the alleged victim with a rock, causing the pensioner's death. Alan Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, told the court he was physically struggling with Robert Robin Wilkin when Nikita Burns hit Mr Wilkin on the back of the head with a rock. Mr Vial admitted he subsequently drove to Sliabh Liag to dispose of the body, which he and Ms Burns then placed over a cliff. He stated he had lied in garda interviews to protect Ms Burns, with whom he was in a relationship. The 66-year-old's body was recovered from the waters below Sliabh Liag eight days after his death on 25 June 2023. A post-mortem examination identified skull fractures inconsistent with injuries from a fall. Both Mr Vial and Ms Burns, of Carrick, County Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
2025-02-07 · Donegal
A geologist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court that a bloodied rock allegedly used in the murder of a pensioner near Sliabh Liag in Donegal was most likely transported to the scene by human activity rather than occurring naturally there. Dr Sophie O'Connor of the Geological Survey Ireland told the trial she used Google Street View to trace a rock matching the alleged murder weapon to a wall on Roshin Road between Sliabh Liag and Killybegs. The 3.5-kilogramme quartzite rock bore strong similarities in shape, size and lichen staining to the rock recovered by gardaí, she said. DNA evidence previously heard matched the rock to the deceased, Robert Robin' Wilkin, aged 66. Alan Vial of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs and Nikita Burns of Carrick both deny his murder on 25 June 2023. The prosecution case has now concluded, with closing speeches to begin on Monday. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty. Nikita Burns pleaded not guilty.
2025-02-06 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness told how he harboured growing concerns about his sister's wellbeing in the period preceding an alleged murder in Donegal. The brother of Nikita Burns said he was worried that she had ceased taking prescribed medication for her bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, and that she appeared to be consuming alcohol during daylight hours. Burns and Alan Vial, both of Co Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Wilkin, a 66-year-old whose body was recovered from the sea beneath Sliabh Liag in June 2023. State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster informed the jury that whilst the fall down the cliff complicated her assessment, she identified two depressed fractures to the back of the deceased's skull inconsistent with cliff-fall injuries and consistent with blunt force trauma. A rock recovered from the cliff top bearing blood and hair matching the deceased was presented as evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
2025-02-04 · Donegal
Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin, a 66-year-old pensioner, on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Mr Wilkin's body was recovered eight days later in the sea below Sliabh Liag cliffs. During interview at Ballyshannon Garda Station, Mr Vial acknowledged a physical altercation at the cliff-top location but maintained that Mr Wilkin was alive and breathing when he last saw him. He denied striking the deceased with a rock or throwing him from the cliff, though he acknowledged placing Mr Wilkin over a fence approximately four metres from the cliff edge. Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, has also pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial is proceeding before the Central Criminal Court.
2025-01-29 · Donegal
A woman charged with murdering a pensioner told gardaí she had exaggerated claims made to a friend about involvement in his death, the Central Criminal Court heard on Wednesday. Nikita Burns, of Carrick, County Donegal, and Alan Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Mr Wilkin's body was discovered in waters below Sliabh Liag cliffs eight days later. Detective Garda Patrick Farrell outlined Ms Burns' account to gardaí during interviews at Ballyshannon Garda Station, in which she initially denied knowledge of events before providing a detailed statement in her third interview. Ms Burns alleged that Mr Vial struck the deceased multiple times with a rock at Roshine in Fintown and subsequently pushed his body from the cliff. Following gardaí playing a recorded conversation with a witness in which Ms Burns referenced violent acts, she stated she had been intoxicated and had overstated her involvement to protect Mr Vial.
2025-01-28 · Donegal
A 3.5-kilogramme rock recovered from the Sliabh Liag cliffs near Killybegs contained hundreds of hairs and extensive bloodstaining consistent with a pensioner's injuries, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Forensic Science Ireland expert Dr Conor Young told the trial that DNA from blood on the rock matched Robert Robin Wilkin, whose body was recovered from the sea in July 2023, eight days after the alleged incident. Detective Garda Jeanette O'Neill of the Garda Technical Bureau testified that she found the rock near a tourist viewing point on the cliff edge, alongside reading glasses, a chain, and a coin. Blood spatter analysis of a Volkswagen Passat indicated the assault occurred within the vehicle. Dr Young also identified DNA matching Mr Wilkin on blue leggings and Timberland boots allegedly belonging to the accused. Alan Vial of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Nikita Burns of Carrick, both in County Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to Mr Wilkin's murder on 25 June 2023. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
2025-01-27 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster gave evidence in the trial of Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, and Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal. Both are charged with the murder of a 66-year-old man on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Dr Bolster told the court that the deceased's body, recovered from the sea near Sliabh Liag eight days after the alleged incident, bore two depressed fractures to the rear of the skull inconsistent with injuries caused by a cliff fall. She stated these injuries appeared consistent with a blunt-force weapon strike and were likely inflicted before death. Additional evidence heard included testimony from gardaí at the scene of a car crash later that day in the Fintown area and from emergency responders. Both accused have pleaded not guilty to the charge.
2025-01-23 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has viewed CCTV footage documenting the alleged movements of two defendants on the night of a pensioner's death in County Donegal. Nikita Burns, aged 22, of Carrick, and Alan Vial, aged 39, of Killybegs, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin on 25 June 2023. Mr Wilkin's remains were recovered from waters below Sliabh Liag cliffs a week later. The prosecution alleges the three men left a public house in Dunkineely at approximately 1.30am and travelled by Volkswagen Passat towards Roshine, where an assault is believed to have occurred. CCTV evidence presented to the jury showed the vehicle at Sliabh Liag ranger's hut at 2.20am, proceeding towards the clifftop before returning approximately 38 minutes later. The State contends Mr Wilkin was thereafter thrown from the cliffs. Sergeant Ronan Gallagher detailed the vehicle's movements across multiple locations and timestamps. Witness testimony included observations of Mr Vial's appearance later that day. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and jury.
2025-01-22 · Donegal
A pensioner had engaged in an aggressive altercation with the man accused of his murder just three days before he was allegedly beaten with a rock and thrown from Ireland's highest cliffs, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Bruce Vial, brother of the accused Alan Vial, testified that on 22 June 2023 the defendant and his co-accused Nikita Burns visited his home with the deceased Robert Robin' Wilkin. During that visit, an altercation occurred between Vial and Wilkin, with both men shouting aggressively at each other. The following Sunday, after Wilkin's alleged death at Sliabh Liag in County Donegal, Vial and Burns returned to clean Vial's car using his vacuum cleaner. The vacuum was later found to contain what the witness believed was "red wine vomit". The trial also heard evidence from the manager of Mac's Bar in Dunkineely, who witnessed Wilkin strike Burns on the arm during a minor argument on the night in question. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty.
2025-01-21 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness has testified that a woman accused of murdering a 66-year-old man told him she had "battered" the victim with a rock and "liked it". Chris Quinn recalled that Nikita Burns, aged 23 of Carrick, County Donegal, arrived at his home around midnight on the night after the alleged offence in June 2023. She told him and others present that she was a "murderer" and recounted an incident involving an argument with the deceased, Robert Robin Wilkin. A separate recording of a phone conversation with another witness captured Ms Burns stating that she and her co-accused Alan Vial, aged 39 of Killybegs, had driven until 3am before pushing Mr Wilkin off Sliabh Liag cliffs. She also mentioned blood on the car roof. Both Ms Burns and Mr Vial have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Ms Burns pleaded guilty to impeding prosecution but the prosecution did not accept this plea. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
2025-01-17 · Donegal
The Central Criminal Court trial has heard that it remains unknown whether a 66-year-old man was deceased when he was allegedly thrown from Sliabh Liag cliffs in Donegal in June 2023. Nikita Burns, aged 22, of Carrick, County Donegal, and Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, deny murder. Burns has pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of another person, a plea the prosecution has rejected. Vial has pleaded not guilty. Opening the prosecution case, Bernard Condon SC outlined evidence including CCTV footage placing both accused with the deceased in a Volkswagen Passat on the night of 24 June 2023 and early hours of 25 June. The deceased was allegedly assaulted in an area known as Roshine before being driven to Sliabh Liag. Counsel outlined forensic evidence including the deceased's blood found in the vehicle, on Burns's clothing, on Vial's boots, and on a rock discovered at the cliff top. The State Pathologist identified two depressed fractures to the deceased's head consistent with blows from a blunt object administered while alive.
2025-01-16 · Donegal
A jury of five men and seven women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin to hear the trial of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, who are charged with the murder of Robert Wilkin on 25 June 2023 in County Donegal. Ms Burns, from Carrick, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person for an arrestable offence. Mr Vial, from Drumanoo Head in Killybegs, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court heard that it is alleged Mr Wilkin's body was disposed of by being thrown over the cliff edge at Sliabh Liag. Mr Justice David Keane instructed the jury that the case has attracted publicity and invited any person with knowledge of the matter or familiarity with those involved to declare this, as such individuals may be ineligible to serve. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks.
2023-12-18 · Donegal
At the Central Criminal Court, a trial date of January 13, 2025 has been fixed in a case involving two Donegal residents accused of murder. Alan Vial, aged 38, of Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, aged 22, of Bundoran, face charges relating to the death of a man in his 60s originally from County Tyrone. The body was discovered in waters off Sliabh Liag cliffs on July 3, 2023, following a comprehensive search operation. The court heard that the book of evidence contains 213 witnesses. Mr Justice Paul McDermott indicated the trial is expected to last approximately four weeks and advised counsel to identify areas of agreed evidence beforehand, given the substantial witness list involved in the proceedings.
2022-07-28 · Donegal
A man convicted of rape, assault and coercive control has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. Dean Ward targeted the woman through an online dating site in May 2019, moving into her home in Killybegs, County Donegal, where he subjected her to a six-week campaign of violence and psychological control. Justice Kerida Naidoo imposed an 18-year sentence for the most serious rape offence, suspending the final year, and a concurrent four-year term for coercive control. Ward, formerly of Wexford, was convicted in 2022 of twelve offences including three counts of rape, assaults, false imprisonment and making threats to kill. The judge found the victim's consent to sexual intercourse was secured through fear and force. Following his arrest by armed gardaí in July 2019, Ward maintained his innocence. Outside court, the victim spoke of receiving support from An Garda Síochána and encouraged others in abusive relationships to seek help. Ward has previous convictions for assault and false imprisonment dating to 2016.
2016-07-29 · Donegal
Gerrit Plug, the Dutch skipper of the vessel Annelies Ilena, formerly known as the Atlantic Dawn, has lost his appeal against conviction for breaching EU fishing regulations. Plug, who pleaded not guilty to five counts, two of which were withdrawn from the jury for legal reasons, was found guilty by a jury at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court. The charges related to failing to record discards, discarding quota species, and exceeding permitted gaps in water separators between November 22 and 25, 2011. He was fined €105,000 by Judge John O'Hagan on March 27, 2015. In dismissing the appeal, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, sitting with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, ruled that the recording and transmission obligations were distinct duties. The court rejected arguments regarding the evidence of fish being returned to sea and the timing of the separator bar measurements, noting no evidence suggested interference after the vessel's detention. The Court of Appeal described the trial as conducted in an exemplary fashion. The matter was not concluded as the Director of Public Prosecutions has lodged an application for review of sentence on grounds that Plug's penalty was unduly lenient.
2016-07-05 · Donegal
Gerrit Plug, a 59-year-old Dutch national, has appealed his conviction for breaching European Union fishing regulations in Irish waters. Plug was found guilty by jury at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court of failing to record estimated discards exceeding 50 kilograms, discarding quota-restricted species, and exceeding maximum spacing requirements in water separators aboard the Annelies Ilena between November 22 and 25, 2013. He was sentenced to a fine of €105,000 in March 2015. At the Court of Appeal in Dublin, Plug's counsel challenged the conviction on multiple grounds, questioning whether the prosecution had proven the fish were discarded into the sea rather than merely present on the vessel, and arguing the trial judge erred in legal interpretations regarding logbook offences and water separator regulations. The Director of Public Prosecutions defended the conviction, citing substantial evidence including photographic material and witness testimony from Sea Fisheries Protection Officers. The three-judge panel reserved judgment. The prosecution has separately applied for review of sentence, contending the fine was unduly lenient. Gerrit Plug pleaded not guilty.