Courts / Donegal / Report

Pensioner had injuries not in keeping with fall from Sliabh Liag, pathologist tells trial

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pensioner had injuries not in keeping with fall from Sliabh Liag, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of 66-year-old Robert 'Robin' Wilkin on June 25, 2023 in Donegal. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 25, 2023 Other
• July 2 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-01-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report