Courts / Donegal / Report

Sliabh Liag murder accused a 'cynical liar', prosecution tell jury

Date
2025-02-25

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Donegal

County
Donegal

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution has described Alan Vial, aged 39, of Killybegs, County Donegal, as a "cynical liar" who fabricated his account to evade responsibility for the death of 66-year-old Robert Robin' Wilkin. Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, told the jury that Mr Vial claimed his co-accused Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, delivered the fatal blows after the three had spent time in public houses together in June 2023. The prosecution alleges that both accused acted with joint intention to cause serious harm. Mr Wilkin's body was subsequently deposited at Sliabh Liag cliffs. The prosecution case relies on DNA evidence, CCTV footage, blood spatter analysis, and admissions allegedly made by Ms Burns to witnesses. Mr Condon submitted that evidence against Ms Burns constitutes the "clearest possible case of murder." Both accused have pleaded not guilty to murder. Defence closing speeches and the judge's charge to the jury are scheduled to follow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sliabh Liag murder accused a 'cynical liar', prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin in Donegal on June 25, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 25, 2023 Other
2025-02-25 Publication

Why: The evidence against Ms Burns, counsel said, is the "clearest possible case of murder" because of words that came from her own mouth. CNI source report