Further remand for Sliabh Liag murder accused

A man charged with murdering another man in south west Donegal has been remanded in custody with a book of evidence expected be served next month.

Alan Vial appeared at Letterkenny District Court on Thursday afternoon via video link from Castlerea Prison.

The 38-year-old has been charged with the murder of Robert Wilkin, whose body was found floating in waters off Sliabh Liag on July 3.

Vial’s solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher said his client consented to the matter being adjourned to September 4.

Vial spoke only to respond “yes I am” when asked if this was the case.

Vial returned to his cell and will consult with his legal team next week.

Judge Deirdre Gearty confirmed the order adjourning the matter until September 4, when a book of evidence can be served on the accused, who will again appear via video link.

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

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

He was arrested at an address in Letterkenny last month and questioned by detectives before being charged. Vial made no reply when charged and there was no application for bail.

Vial had been previously arrested along with a woman in her 20s on June 26 on suspicion of a serious assault.

It followed information received by Gardai which led to a large-scale search off the popular tourist destination at Sliabh Liag.

Following an extensive search involving Gardai, the Irish Coastguard including Rescue 118 and the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, the body of Mr Wilkin recovered in water off the cliffs on July 3.

The body was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where a full post mortem was carried out by the State Pathologist's Office.

The findings of that post mortem have not been released for Garda operational reasons.