Courts / Donegal / Report

Sliabh Liag murder accused takes stand and describes pensioner's body rolling off cliffs

Summary

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.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sliabh Liag murder accused takes stand and describes pensioner's body rolling off cliffs. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 2023 Other
• Saturday June 24 Other
• 2025-02-10 Publication

Why: Alan Vial (39) said that he lied in his garda interviews and didn't reveal what he now alleges Nikita Burns (23) had done because he was "trying to protect Nikita, because I had feelings for her". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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• Criminal who raped and controlled partner rejects jury verdict, court hears
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Read the original CNI report