Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7071Murder · Co. Donegal · 3 Jul 2023

Two sent for trial charged with murder of Robert Wilkin in Co Donegal

The body of Robert Wilkin, a man in his 60s, was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag cliffs in Co Donegal on 3 July 2023. Alan Vial (38) and Nikita Burns (21) have been charged with murdering him. At Letterkenny District Court, Vial appeared in person and Burns appeared by video-link from Mountjoy Prison, and the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to both being sent forward for trial. Both cases were adjourned to the Central Criminal Court sitting on 28 November.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two people have been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murder.
Where
The body was found off Sliabh Liag cliffs in Co Donegal.
When
The body of Robert Wilkin, a man in his 60s, was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag on 3 July 2023.
Investigation
  • Over 200 statements have been taken and well in excess of 200 exhibits have been gathered.
  • Det Garda Shane Maye served a book of evidence on Vial in court.
Charges
Alan Vial (38) and Nikita Burns (21) have been charged with murdering Robert Wilkin.
In court
  • Vial appeared in person at Letterkenny District Court and Burns appeared by video-link from the Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy Prison.
  • The Director of Public Prosecutions consented to sending both accused forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
  • Vial and Burns were each given the alibi warning, free legal aid, and senior and junior counsel.
  • Both cases were adjourned to the Central Criminal Court sitting on 28 November.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo people have been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with murder. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe body was found off Sliabh Liag cliffs in Co Donegal. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe body of Robert Wilkin was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag on July 3rd. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationOver 200 statements have been taken in the case. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí have gathered well in excess of 200 exhibits. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeAlan Vial and Nikita Burns have been charged with murdering Robert Wilkin. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtVial appeared in person at Letterkenny District Court and Burns appeared by video-link from the Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy Prison. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions consented to sending both accused forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtVial was given the alibi warning, free legal aid, and a senior and junior counsel. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBurns was also given the alibi warning and free legal aid, with a senior and junior counsel. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBoth cases were adjourned to the Central Criminal Court sitting on November 28th. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Nov2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Two sent for trial charged with murdering Robert Wilkin (60s) in Co Donegal

    Both accused have been charged with murder and sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court. The article gives the court appearances, the adjournment date, and the scale of the investigation.

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkinaccused, Alan Vial, 38, namedAlan Vialaccused, Nikita Burns, 21, female, namedNikita Burns