In a chilling case that has gripped Ireland, two individuals have been found guilty of the brutal murder of 66-year-old Robert ‘Robin’ Wilkin, whose body was callously discarded over the majestic cliffs of Sliabh Liag in County Donegal. The defendants, 39-year-old Alan Vial and 23-year-old Nikita Burns, both denied the charges but were convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court.

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The Crime Unveiled

The events unfolded in June 2023 when Wilkin, originally from Tyrone, was residing with Vial and Burns at Vial’s residence in Drumanoo Head, Killybegs. The trio’s cohabitation was marred by tension, culminating in a violent altercation that led to Wilkin’s tragic death. ​

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Wilkin suffered at least two depressed fractures to the back of his head, injuries consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted by a rock found at the crime scene. State Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster testified that these fractures were not consistent with injuries from a fall, suggesting premeditated violence. ​

Discovery and Investigation

Wilkin’s body was discovered eight days after the alleged murder, floating in the waters beneath Sliabh Liag, one of Ireland’s most renowned tourist attractions. Due to decomposition and predator activity, determining the exact cause of death was challenging. However, the presence of skull fractures and the location of the body pointed towards foul play. ​

The investigation uncovered attempts by the defendants to conceal their crime. Testimonies indicated that Vial and Burns sought cleaning supplies from Vial’s brother, Bruce, under the pretense of cleaning a wine spill. Bruce later discovered the vacuum cleaner returned by Vial was filled with a suspicious substance, which he presumed to be “red wine vomit.” ​

Conflicting Accounts and Defense

Throughout the trial, both defendants attempted to shift blame onto each other. Burns claimed that Vial assaulted Wilkin with a rock, striking him multiple times despite her pleas to stop. She alleged that Vial then proposed disposing of the body by throwing it over the cliffs. ​

Vial, on the other hand, contended that he and Wilkin were involved in a scuffle after he witnessed Wilkin behaving inappropriately towards Burns. He denied using a rock to assault Wilkin and maintained that Wilkin was alive when they left him. ​

Verdict and Sentencing

After deliberations, the jury returned a majority verdict, finding both Vial and Burns guilty of murder. Following the verdict, Mr. Justice Paul McDermott exempted the jurors from further service for ten years, acknowledging the gravity of the case. Burns wept as she was escorted from the court, while Vial remained composed, engaging with his legal team. Both are scheduled to receive mandatory life sentences, with the formal sentencing hearing set for the following day, during which the victim’s family will have the opportunity to address the court. ​

Community Impact and Reflections

The murder of Robert Wilkin has sent shockwaves through the local community and the nation at large. Sliabh Liag, celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and status as one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, has been marred by this heinous act. The case underscores the potential for violence lurking beneath seemingly ordinary relationships and the lengths individuals may go to conceal their crimes.​

The conviction of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns for the murder of Robert Wilkin serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of human life and the darkness that can reside within interpersonal relationships. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the hope is that justice served will provide some solace to those affected by this tragic event.​

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