Courts / Donegal / Report

Donegal cliff murder trial adjourned as legal issue arises

Summary

The trial of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns at the Central Criminal Court has been adjourned for ten days to allow legal representatives to address an outstanding matter. Both defendants deny murdering Robert Robin Wilkin, whose body was discovered in the sea below Sliabh Liag in Donegal in July 2023, eight days after his alleged death on 25 June. Mr Justice Paul McDermott informed the jury of twelve that proceedings will resume on 24 February. The trial, which commenced on 17 January, had been anticipated to conclude this week or next. Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, both deny the murder charge. State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster identified depressed fractures to the deceased's skull inconsistent with injuries sustained from a cliff fall. A rock found at the cliff top, bearing blood and DNA matching the deceased, was presented as potentially consistent with causing those injuries. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty. Nikita Burns pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Donegal cliff murder trial adjourned as legal issue arises. Charges or matters: the murder of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin in Donegal on June 25, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Monday, February 24th Adjournment
• January 17 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 25, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-02-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report