Solicitor asks State to prioritise case of man charged with Sliabh Liag murder

The solicitor representing a man charged with murder has made a request to the State to give the case priority.

Alan Vial, 38, appeared by videolink at Letterkenny District Court on Monday. Co-accused, Nikita Burns, 21, also appeared separately in court by videolink. Both are charged with the murder on June 25 last of Robert Wilkin, also known as Robin Wilkin, whose remains were recovered at Sliabh Liag.

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher, who represents Vial, asked the State to prioritise the matter at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court earlier today.

Mr Gallagher said he had understood the case was in for the service of a book of evidence on his client. He was informed that the book of evidence for Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, was not ready yet. Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton said he would note the urgency of Mr Gallagher's representation and will follow-up on the issue.

The case was adjourned until October 2 for the service of the book of evidence. Mr Rory O’Brien appeared for Nikita Burns. The court was told that directions in that case due from the Director of Public Prosecutions are still outstanding.