Books of evidence for Sliabh Liag murder accused 'at advanced stage'

Books of evidence in respect of two people charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in the water off Sliabh Liag are now at ‘an advanced stage’.

Co-accused Alan Vial and Nikita Burns appeared before Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court via video link.

The pair have been charged with the murder of Robert Wilkin, whose body was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag on July 3.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins said that the book of evidence in respect of each was ‘at an advanced stage’.

Thirty-eight-year-old Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Burns, a 21-year-old with an address at West End, Bundoran, have each been charged that on the 25th of June,2023 at a place unknown within the State, they did murder one Robert Wilkin (also known as Robin Wilkin). The charge is Contrary to Common Law and as provided for by Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1964.

Vial appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham via video link from Castlerea Prison while Burns Dóchas Centre appeared via video link from Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy Prison.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Vial, said the matter could only be adjourned for two weeks and told the court that his client was aware of the situation.

Burns’ solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, said directions were still outstanding in respect of his client. “I assume the State is endeavouring to expedite matters,” Mr O’Brien said.

Sergeant Collins sought a two-week adjournment and reiterated that the books of evidence were ‘advanced’.

Judge Cunningham adjourned the matters until September 18 for directions.

Vial and Burns were previously arrested on June 26 on suspicion of a serious assault.

Vial was brought before Ballyshannon District Court in July while Burns was charged with murder last week after being arrested in Letterkenny. She appeared before Letterkenny District Court last Tuesday.

After being cautioned, Burns told detectives: “I didn’t do it.”

It followed information received by Gardai which led to a large-scale search off the popular tourist destination at Sliabh Liag.

Following an extensive search involving Gardai, the Irish Coastguard including Rescue 118 and the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, the body of Mr Wilkin recovered in water off the cliffs on July 3.

The body was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where a full post mortem was carried out by the State Pathologist's Office.

The findings of that post mortem have not been released for Garda operational reasons.