Courts / Donegal / Report
Sliabh Liag pensioner wouldn't have died immediately from skull fractures if they were only injuries, pathologist tells trial
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, the State Pathologist gave evidence in the trial of two individuals charged with the murder of a man alleged to have been pushed from Sliabh Liag cliffs in County Donegal in June 2023. Dr Margaret Bolster told the court that two skull fractures identified on the deceased would not have caused immediate death if they were the only injuries sustained. She stated the fractures were consistent with blows from a blunt object rather than a fall from the cliff, but that such injuries would have resulted in death within five to thirty minutes due to blood loss. The cause of death remains undetermined due to the body's advanced decomposition following eight days in the sea. Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, have both pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury will hear closing speeches following the completion of evidence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sliabh Liag pensioner wouldn't have died immediately from skull fractures if they were only injuries, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin in Donegal on June 25, 2023. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 25, 2023 Adjournment
- 2025-02-24 Publication
Why: Dr Bolster said the cause of death in the case is undetermined because of the body's advanced level of decomposition, having spent so much time in the sea. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin in Donegal on June 25, 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The trial had been adjourned for ten days after Mr Vial gave evidence in which he denied striking Mr Wilkin at any point.
Accused
Outcome: The trial had been adjourned for ten days after Mr Vial gave evidence in which he denied striking Mr Wilkin at any point.
Places mentioned
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