BBC News NI Dublin Reporter Kevin Sharkey
Two individuals have been convicted of the murder of a 66-year-old man who was thrown over cliffs along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way while still alive or already deceased. Alan Vial, 39, from Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, and Nikita Burns, 23, from An Charraig, County Donegal, denied the murder of Robert Wilkin, also known as Robin, on June 25, 2023. The body of the County Tyrone man was found in the sea at the base of Slieve League cliffs eight days later.
According to evidence presented in court, Vial and Burns had been drinking together at various bars on the night of the murder. CCTV footage displayed during the trial indicated a car traveling from McIntyre’s Bar in Dunkineely to Roshine, where it is believed Mr. Wilkin was attacked. The prosecution alleged that Burns and Vial acted in tandem as a joint enterprise, making them equally responsible for the crime, regardless of who delivered the lethal blow. Throughout the trial, both accused individuals blamed each other for the murder.
Vial and Burns were involved in a brief romantic relationship leading up to Mr. Wilkin’s death. Vial, described as a “petty criminal and an alcoholic” by his lawyer, pleaded not guilty to the murder. Meanwhile, Burns, who had a troubled upbringing, also denied the murder charge but pleaded guilty to obstructing the arrest or prosecution of another person for a criminal offense. The search for Mr. Wilkin’s body involved an extensive operation along the County Donegal coastline, including search and rescue helicopters, boats, drones, the Irish defense forces, and numerous local volunteers. The search commenced after a car accident involving the two defendants led to Vial’s arrest for driving under the influence
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