Two former romantic partners are appealing their murder convictions after being found guilty of killing 66-year-old Robert ‘Robin’ Wilkin by striking him unconscious or dead with a rock and then disposing of his body off a nearly 2,000-foot cliff. Alan Vial, 41, and Nikita Burns, 25, were convicted last year following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Ireland. The incident occurred on June 25, 2023, as the trio had been drinking together in various locations in northwest Ireland.
The fatal altercation took place as Vial was driving the group towards their residence in Killybegs, resulting in Mr. Wilkin being struck on the head with a rock, leading to his death or unconsciousness. Subsequently, Vial and Burns transported the victim’s body to the top of Sliabh Liag, the highest cliffs in Ireland, and disposed of it over the edge.
After a car crash where bloodstains were discovered, leading to Vial’s arrest for drunk driving, suspicions arose among the Gardai. Burns reportedly confessed to acquaintances about the incident, stating that they had attacked a man with a rock and thrown him off the cliffs.
During the appeal process, Vial’s defense argued that the joint trial with Burns unfairly prejudiced the jury against him due to her incriminating statements. Vial acknowledged his presence during the incident but denied delivering the fatal blows to Mr. Wilkin, emphasizing the lack of independent evidence supporting Burns’ accusations.
Burns’ defense contended that her self-incriminating statements were involuntary and potentially influenced by intoxication, raising concerns about her mental state at the time. Despite these arguments, the prosecution maintained that sufficient evidence existed to prove Vial’s guilt independently of Burns’ statements.
The court reserved judgment on the case, delaying the final decision to a later date. State pathologist Dr. Margareta Bolster’s examination of Mr. Wilkin’s body revealed multiple fractures, with injuries to the back of his head consistent with a rock blow found at the scene. The trial concluded with the jury finding both Vial and Burns guilty of murder as part of a joint mission to harm Mr. Wilkin.
