Courts / Donegal / Report
Sliabh Liag murderers appeal convictions
Summary
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of the murder of Robert Robin' Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in Donegal, have appealed their convictions to the Court of Appeal. The trial heard that the pair allegedly beat Mr Wilkin with a rock and threw his body over the cliffs. Vial's counsel argued that his client was prejudiced by hearing his co-accused's admissions, which blamed Vial for the fatal blows, and contended they should have been tried separately. He maintained Vial denied striking the victim and lacked independent evidence of guilt beyond his co-accused's statements. Burns's counsel argued her incriminating statements were involuntary due to intoxication and should have been excluded. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that there was ample evidence of Vial's guilt and that private statements are admissible. The prosecution noted the trial judge's warnings to the jury were impeccable. The court, comprising Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Ms Justice Tara Burns, and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sliabh Liag murderers appeal convictions. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 25, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-07-23 Publication
Why: He claimed he had failed to tell gardai about what his co-accused did because he had feelings for her. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Outcome: Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment.
Convicted Person
Outcome: Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment.
Convicted Person
Outcome: Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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