Over 200 witnesses involved in Sliabh Liag murder case

Over 200 witnesses are involved in the case of a man and a woman who are to stand trial in 2025 accused of murdering a Tyrone man whose body was found off Sliabh Liag cliffs, the Central Criminal Court has heard.

Alan Vial (38), with an address at Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, Co Donegal and Nikita Burns (22), of Bundoran Westend Accommodation, Westend Magheracar, Bundoran, Co Donegal are accused of murdering Robert Wilkin at a place unknown within the State on June 25, 2023.

The body of Mr Wilkin, aged in his 60s and originally from County Tyrone, was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag cliffs on July 3 following an extensive search involving gardaí, the Irish Coastguard including Rescue 118 and the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott was told by counsel in the case that there are 213 witnesses in the book of evidence. The judge fixed a date of January 13, 2025 for the trial. The case is expected to last four weeks.

Addressing counsel in the case, the judge said: "Parties should address their minds in advance of the trial, given the amount of witnesses, whether certain evidence is not an issue".