Man and woman go on trial over Sliabh Liag cliffs murder

Eoin Reynolds

A man and woman accused of murdering a man whose body was allegedly thrown over the cliffs at Sliabh Liag in Co Donegal last year have gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

A jury of five men and seven women was selected on Thursday afternoon to hear the trial of Alan Vial (39) and Nikita Burns (22), who are charged with the murder of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin on June 25th, 2023 in Co Donegal.

Ms Burns, of Carrick, Co Donegal, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person for an arrestable offence.

Mr Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, Co Donegal, pleaded not guilty.

Mr Justice David Keane told the jury that the case has attracted some publicity as it is alleged that Mr Wilkin's body was disposed of by throwing it over the cliff edge at Sliabh Liag.

He asked anyone familiar with the case or any of the parties involved to let him know as they may be ineligible to sit as jurors.

The trial will begin on Friday and is expected to last up to three weeks.