Courts / Donegal / Report

Brother concerned that Sliabh Liag accused was off medication and drinking, trial hears

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brother concerned that Sliabh Liag accused was off medication and drinking, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of 66-year-old Robert 'Robin' Wilkin in Donegal on June 25, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 25, 2023 Incident
• July 2023 Incident
• 2025-02-06 Publication

Why: He added: "She described herself as 'doing better' because she was off her medication, which to me was worrying. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report