Alan Vial jailed for murder as appeal judgment reserved

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Alan Vial was jailed for murdering Robert Wilkin at the Central Criminal Court on 7 March 2025, when he received the mandatory life sentence.

Vial and Nikita Burns were convicted by a 10 to two majority after a trial concerning Wilkin’s death at Sliabh Liag in Donegal. Both had pleaded not guilty, and each accused blamed the other for the fatal blows.

On 23 July 2026, Vial’s conviction appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal. His counsel argued that the joint trial exposed the jury to prejudicial statements by Burns; the prosecution argued there was ample evidence against Vial regardless. The judges reserved judgment.

A September 2026 report said a decision on the appeals had yet to be made.