Ireland Crime

Named as

Victim

Born

1959, from the ages reported

Offences

Murder

Where

Co. Donegal

Reporting

76 reports, 5 Jul 2023 to 23 Jul 2026

Outlets

donegallive.ie, irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie, thejournal.ie, gript.ie, rte.ie

Photographs

as published, with the outlet's credit

Images are shown from the outlet that published them and link back to the article. Copyright stays with the credited photographer or agency.

• Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions Murder · Co. Donegal

  Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, a 66-year-old man from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was allegedly struck on the head with a rock at Roshine near Killybegs and his body thrown over the Sliabh Liag cliffs in Donegal on 25 June 2023, with his remains recovered from the sea on 3 July. Alan Vial, 41, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, and Nikita Burns, 25, of Carrick, Co Donegal, were charged with his murder in July and August 2023 after initially being arrested and released without charge on 26 June. A Central Criminal Court jury found both guilty of murder by a 10-2 majority on 6 March 2025, and they were sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment the following day. The pair are now appealing their convictions at the Court of Appeal, where judgment was reserved on 23 July 2026.

  Sentenced, 7 Mar 2025Victim · 76 reports

Each entry shows how that report described them.

1. 23 Jul2026
   Convicteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Sliabh Liag murderers appeal convictions at Central Criminal Court

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
2. 23 Jul2026
   In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Pair convicted of murdering man and throwing his body over Donegal cliffs launch appeal

   victim, Robert Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂66IE
3. 23 Jul2026
   In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Ex-lovers who beat man to death and threw him off cliff in bid for freedom

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
4. 1 Jul2026
   Convictedthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Pair found guilty of murdering man whose body was thrown over Sliabh Liag cliffs appeal convictions

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
5. 20 Jun2025
   In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Sliabh Liag murderers denied legal aid for third barrister at Court of Appeal

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
6. 8 Mar2025
   Convicteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   The full story as to how a jury found Burns and Vial guilty of Sliabh Liag murder

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
7. 7 Mar2025
   Sentencedirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Life in prison for pair who dumped man's body off Ireland's tallest sea cliffs

   victim, Robin Wilkin, 66, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robin Wilkin♂66
8. 7 Mar2025
   Sentencedirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Sliabh Liag murder case: Victim’s sister says nothing could have prepared her for ‘evil and harrowing details’

   victim, Robin Wilkin, 66, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robin Wilkin♂66
9. 6 Mar2025
   Convictedirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

   Sliabh Liag case: How Alan Vial and Nikita Burns were convicted of murdering Robert Wilkin

   victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
10. 6 Mar2025
    Convictedthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Two people found guilty of murdering man (66) whose body was thrown over Sliabh Liag cliffs

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
11. 6 Mar2025
    Convictedgript.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man and woman found guilty of murdering Robert Wilkin after row in car - Gript

    victim, Robert Wilkin, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂IE
12. 6 Mar2025
    Convicteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Nikita Burns and Alan Vial found guilty of murdering Robert Wilkin at Sliabh Liag

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
13. 6 Mar2025
    Convictedirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man and woman guilty of murder of man whose body was thrown off famous cliffs

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
14. 6 Mar2025
    Convictedrte.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Pair found guilty of murdering man, 66, in Co Donegal

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
15. 5 Mar2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder trial: Jury deliberations to go into third day

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
16. 5 Mar2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Jury asks for explanation of joint enterprise in Sliabh Liag murder trial

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
17. 4 Mar2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Possible alternative verdicts may be reached in Sliabh Liag murder trial

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
18. 26 Feb2025
    In courtgript.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Court hears accused is “guilty of being an idiot” but “not of murder” - Gript

    victim, Robert, 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert, 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
19. 26 Feb2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    'Smouldering resentment' exploded into violence in Sliabh Liag killing, court told by barrister

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
20. 25 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused 'is a cynical liar attempting to make fools of a jury'

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
21. 24 Feb2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag victim would not have died immediately from injuries before cliff fall, trial hears

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
22. 24 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Closing speeches to come after ten-day hiatus in Sliabh Liag murder trial

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
23. 14 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder trial adjourned for 10 days

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
24. 14 Feb2025
    In courtrte.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Trial adjourned for ten days in Sliabh Liag murder case

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
25. 11 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused lied about deceased sexually assaulting co-accused

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
26. 10 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused tells trial his co-accused struck deceased with a rock

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
27. 7 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Google Street View used to help identify source of Sliabh Liag murder weapon

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
28. 7 Feb2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Geologist used Google Street View to identify possible source of Donegal murder weapon, trial hears

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
29. 6 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Brother of Sliabh Liag murder accused was concerned sister was off her medication

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
30. 4 Feb2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Murder accused told gardaí deceased was alive when he left him at Donegal cliffs

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
31. 4 Feb2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Pensioner found dead at Sliabh Liag was alive when left at cliffs, murder accused told gardaí

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
32. 4 Feb2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Murder accused says deceased man may 'have rolled over the edge' of Sliabh Liag

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
33. 29 Jan2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag trial: Murder accused was 'a bit manic' when she told friend she struck deceased

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
34. 29 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused 'a bit manic' when she told friend she struck deceased man

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
35. 28 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Rock found on Sliabh Liag with hairs and bloodstains matching murdered pensioner

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
36. 27 Jan2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder trial: Pensioner had head injuries consistent with blunt weapon, pathologist says

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
37. 23 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder jury see CCTV montage of alleged killers' movements

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
38. 22 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man had altercation with Sliabh Liag murder accused before being thrown off cliff

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66
39. 22 Jan2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Murder accused had altercation with deceased man days before he was thrown from cliffs, court told

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 66, maleRobert Wilkin♂66
40. 21 Jan2025
    In courtthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman accused of murder at cliffs said she 'battered' deceased man's face with a rock, court told

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
41. 21 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused said she 'battered' deceased man's face and liked it

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
42. 21 Jan2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Donegal murder trial hears woman told friend she 'battered' man and liked it

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, 66, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂66IE
43. 17 Jan2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Two accused of murdering man in Donegal each claimed the other 'did it'

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂IE
44. 17 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh League murder accused each claimed the other 'did it'

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, maleRobert 'Robin' Wilkin♂
45. 16 Jan2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man and woman plead not guilty to murder of man in Donegal

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, male, irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂IE
46. 16 Jan2025
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused plead not guilty

    victim, Robert 'Robin' Wilkin, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert 'Robin' Wilkin♂
47. 18 Dec2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Over 200 witnesses involved in Sliabh Liag murder case

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
48. 20 Nov2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Two sent for trial charged with murdering Robert Wilkin (60s) in Co Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
49. 20 Nov2023
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man and woman to stand trial for Donegal cliffs murder

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
50. 20 Nov2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Duo sent forward for trial at Central Criminal Court charged with Sliabh Liag murder

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
51. 6 Nov2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    State given two weeks for book of evidence in Sliabh Liag murder case

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
52. 23 Oct2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag murder accused to face Central Criminal Court trial

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
53. 2 Oct2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Detectives investigating Sliabh Liag murder have taken ‘over 200 statements’

    victim, Robert, or Robin, Wilkin, maleRobert, or Robin, Wilkin♂
54. 2 Oct2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Over 200 statements and exhibits in Sliabh Liag murder probe

    victim, Robert Wilkin, maleRobert Wilkin♂
55. 18 Sep2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Solicitor asks State to prioritise case of man charged with Sliabh Liag murder

    victim, Robert WilkinRobert Wilkin
56. 4 Sep2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

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

    victim, Robert Wilkin, maleRobert Wilkin♂
57. 4 Sep2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Book of evidence on Sliabh Liag murder charge ‘at advanced stage’

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
58. 29 Aug2023
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman charged with murder of man found in water in Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
59. 29 Aug2023
    Chargeddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman in court on Sliabh Liag murder charge

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
60. 29 Aug2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman (21) charged with murder of man whose body was found off Sliabh Liag cliffs

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
61. 29 Aug2023
    Chargeddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman charged in relation to fatal assault at Sliabh Liag to face court today

    victim, Roert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Roert Wilkin♂60sIE
62. 28 Aug2023
    Arrestedirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman arrested in connection with death of man whose body was found off cliffs

    victim, Robert Wilkins, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkins♂60sIE
63. 28 Aug2023
    Arresteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Woman arrested over death of man at Sliabh Liag

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
64. 10 Aug2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man charged with Donegal murder remanded in custody

    victim, Robert Wilkin, maleRobert Wilkin♂
65. 10 Aug2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Further remand for Sliabh Liag murder accused

    victim, Robert Wilkin, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂IE
66. 17 Jul2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man remanded in custody over murder charge related to body found off Donegal cliffs

    victim, Robert Wilkin, maleRobert Wilkin♂
67. 17 Jul2023
    In courtdonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Murder accused remanded in custody

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60s
68. 14 Jul2023
    Chargedthejournal.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man (38) charged with murder of man whose body was found off Sliabh Liag cliffs in Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, mid 60s, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂mid 60s
69. 14 Jul2023
    Chargeddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man charged with murder over Sliabh Liag death

    victim, Robert Wilkin, mid-60s, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂mid-60s
70. 14 Jul2023
    In courtirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man charged over murder of man found floating in water off Donegal cliffs

    victim, Robert Wilkin, mid-60s, maleRobert Wilkin♂mid-60s
71. 14 Jul2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man (38) charged with murder after body found near Sliabh Liag in Co Donegal

    victim, Robert (Robin) Wilkin, mid-60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert (Robin) Wilkin♂mid-60sIE
72. 13 Jul2023
    Arrestedirishmirror.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Arrest made after man 'thrown off cliff' as gardai swoop house in Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, mid-60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂mid-60sIE
73. 13 Jul2023
    Arresteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Breaking: Man (30s) arrested over Sliabh Liag death

    victim, Robert Wilkin, male, non-irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂
74. 13 Jul2023
    Arrestedirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Sliabh Liag death: Man held in connection with body found in Co Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, mid-60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂mid-60sIE
75. 5 Jul2023
    Reportedirishtimes.com, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Britain’s National Crime Agency assisting Garda inquiry into body found in Donegal

    victim, Robert Wilkin, 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂60sIE
76. 5 Jul2023
    Reporteddonegallive.ie, in Vial and Burns appeal Sliabh Liag murder convictions

    Man found dead at Sliabh Liag was due for trial over €6.6m drugs cargo

    victim, Robert Wilkin, late 60s, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Wilkin♂late 60sIE

Matched on the name as printed, ignoring quoted nicknames, and split by the ages reported. Two people who share a name and age would appear together here.