Sliabh Liag murderer Nikita Burns jailed for punching garda in Ballyshannon

Nikita Burns, 23, with an address listed as ‘no fixed abode’ has been handed down two prison sentences for assaulting a garda and for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

She is already serving sentences for murder and for assaulting another garda. 

Burns appeared before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, May 2, accompanied by prison officers. She admitted assaulting Garda Declan O’Brien on August 23, 2023 at Ballyshannon Garda Station. The defendant also pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour on the same occasion. 

The court heard that Burns punched the garda. 

The case had been heard in Ballyshannon District Court prior to the Central Criminal Court trial where she and her co-accused Alan Vial were sentenced to life in prison for murdering Robert (Robin) Wilkins, whose body was thrown off the cliffs at Sliabh Liag. 

A temporary reporting restriction was put in place at Ballyshannon District Court so as not to prejudice the jury in the murder trial. At that court, solicitor Rory O’Brien outlined that his client had an extremely sad and tumultuous upbringing, and was in care from a young age. 

She had become homeless, suffering from deteriorating mental health, substance abuse and addiction. The matter was adjourned until after the murder trial, and a probation report was sought by the court. 

At the sitting on May 2, solicitor Frank Murphy said there was a probation report available to the court.

“Ms Burns is getting on well in custody,” he added. “She is on medication. Reading is now her main pastime.” 

Judge Sandra Murphy said: “This is an assault on a garda member. I take it very seriously.”

Taking into account that at the time the offence occurred, Burns had no previous convictions, the judge imposed a four-month prison sentence for the assault on Garda O’Brien. She handed down a one-month sentence for the offence of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, with both sentences to run concurrent to that which is being served by the accused. 

Legal aid was granted to McIntyre O’Brien Solicitors.

Letterkenny Assault

At a sitting of Letterkenny District Court last month, Burns was given two four-month prison sentences for assaulting gardaí.

That court heard that on January 4, 2023 at 1.10am, gardaí were called to Letterkenny University Hospital due to the behaviour of Burns. She was subsequently detained by gardaí and placed into the back of a patrol car.

There, she attempted to gouge the eyes of a female garda and pulled her hair. Another garda who attempted to assist, was kicked in the shin by Burns as he attempted to restrain her. 

She later pleaded guilty to the offences though she had no recollection of the incident, her solicitor said. 

As with the Ballyshannon case, the Letterkenny matter was adjourned and was subject to temporary reporting restrictions due to the murder trial.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham reviewed her notes on the case and taking into account the mitigation and circumstances arising, Burns was jailed for four months on each of the two summonses. The sentences are to run concurrently and will also run concurrent to the sentence she is currently serving.

Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.