LAST UPDATE | 29 Aug 2023

A WOMAN HAS appeared in court charged with the murder of a man whose body was found floating in waters off the Sliabh Liag cliffs in Co Donegal in July.

The body of Robert Wilkin (60s) was found on 3 July last after a week-long search by a number of state agencies including gardaí and the Irish Coast Guard.

Today, at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court, Nikita Burns was charged with his murder.

21-year-old Burns is the second person to be charged with the murder of Wilkin.

On 14 July last, 38-year-old Alan Vial was also charged with the murder of Wilkin.

Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, was charged that on 25 June 2023, at a place unknown within the State, did murder one Robert Wilkin (also known as Robin Wilkin).

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the courts again in September.

Burns appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy.

Detective Sergeant Matthie Murphy of Ballyshannon Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He gave evidence of arresting Burns on 28 August at 9.53pm at Westend, Bundoran.

Burns was charged that on 25 June 2023, at a place unknown within the State, did murder one Robert Wilkin (also known as Robin Wilkin).

The charge was Contrary to Common Law and as provided for by Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1964.

At 10.21pm when charged, Burn replied “I didn’t do it”.

Garda Superintendent Karen Duffy asked the court that it remands the accused in custody until 4 September to appear at Letterkenny District Court by videolink.

Solicitor for the accused, Rory O’Brien, said that bail does not arise in the matter.

Legal aid was granted as the court was told that Burns is a suitable candidate.

O’Brien asked for legal aid which was granted and he also asked that she receive all the necessary medical treatment while in custody including any psychiatric treatment she may need.

The case was adjourned until 3 September to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Comments are closed as legal proceedings are ongoing.