Courts / Donegal / Report

Unknown whether pensioner was dead when he was thrown off Sliabh Liag cliffs, jury hears

Date
2025-01-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ardara

County
Donegal

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Unknown whether pensioner was dead when he was thrown off Sliabh Liag cliffs, jury hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person for an arrestable offence. Procedural stage: trial

When: