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, who was in his 60s and from Northern Ireland, was found on July 3rd after a week-long search by a number of state agencies including the Garda and the Irish Coastguard.
At a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday, Nikita Burns (21), of no fixed abode, was charged with his murder.
Ms Burns, wearing white trousers and a black top, appeared before Judge Ciaran Lidd charged with murder of Robert Wilkin on June 25th, 2023 at a place unknown within the State. The charge was Contrary to Common Law and as provided for by Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1964.
Detective Sgt Matthie Murphy of Ballyshannon Garda station gave evidence of arrest arresting Ms Burns on August 28th at 9.53pm at Westend, Bundoran. He said that when charged at 10.21pm, Ms Burns replied: “I didn’t do it”.
Garda Superintendent Karen Duffy asked the court to remand the accused in custody until September 4th 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 Ms Burns is a suitable candidate.
Mr O’Brien also asked that his client receive all the necessary medical treatment while in custody, including any psychiatric treatment she may need.
The case was adjourned until September 3rd to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On July 14th, 38-year-old Alan Vial of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, appeared in court charged with the murder of Mr Wilkin, who was also known as Robin Wilkin.
Mr Vial was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the courts again in September.