Greater than 200 statements taken in Sliabh Liag homicide probe

Detectives probing the homicide of a person whose physique was discovered off scenic Sliabh Liag have taken over 200 statements.

The physique of Robert Wilkin was discovered floating in waters off the well-known Donegal cliffs on July 3.

Two individuals have been charged along with his homicide, with a solicitor representing 21-year-old Nikita Burns blasting delays within the case.

Burns and Alan Vial, a 38-year-old, who additionally appeared individually by way of video hyperlink at Letterkenny District Court docket on Monday, are charged that on June 25, 2023, at a spot unknown inside the State, they did homicide one Robert Wilkin (also referred to as Robin Wilkin).

Detective Garda Ciaran O’Brien from Ballyshannon Garda Station instructed the court docket {that a} file within the case is ‘within the remaining levels of completion’.

Detective Garda O’Brien outlined the complexity of the probe.

Over 200 statements have been taken within the case whereas detectives piecing collectively a fancy jigsaw of proof have gathered ‘nicely in extra’ of 200 displays.

Sixteen interviews had been carried out with the accused whereas six crime scenes had been designated. Different scenes of curiosity had been additionally examined by Gardai.

Detective Garda O’Brien stated there was a ‘big’ quantity of forensic evaluation required within the matter. One excellent report is predicted to be returned to Gardai this week with one other anticipated to be accomplished by October 13.

Detective Garda O’Brien stated: “We imagine {that a} file can be able to go to the DPP’s workplace in two weeks’ time when we’ve these experiences.”

Sergeant Gerard Dalton instructed the court docket that formal instructions are awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) within the case of Burns. Her solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, stated the delays from the DPP’s workplace within the matter are ‘outrageous’.

“I’m completely outraged at what’s being communicated to the court docket,” Mr O’Brien stated. “She has been in custody for a big interval. She will be able to solely be tried by indictment on the Central Legal Court docket. The State, be it the Gardai or the DPP, are hiding behind instructions, which have but to return.

“For no instructions to be offered is outrageous and it beggars perception. What’s going on right here? Why can’t they supply a quite simple course? They know there’s a ticking clock that they don’t wish to set off. Why not?”

Detective Garda O’Brien instructed the court docket that an oral course was given by the DPP for Burns to be charged with homicide and a proper course is awaited.

“Is that this a holding cost whereas my shopper languishes in custody?” Mr O’Brien requested. He requested the court docket to mark the case ‘with as a lot urgency’. “The State wants to supply a easy course as to the place this can be prosecuted and cease the justifications,” he stated. “She has pleaded not responsible and she or he could not see a trial date for 2 years, however nothing begins till the instructions arrive.”

Burns was remanded in custody to look once more by way of video hyperlink earlier than Letterkenny District Court docket on October 23.

“It can be crucial that the urgency of this matter is impressed,” Choose Éiteáin Cunningham stated.

Vial, who’s represented by solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher, additionally appeared by way of video hyperlink.

Choose Cunningham prolonged time for a ebook of proof to be served on Vial, who was remanded in custody to look by way of video hyperlink on October 23.

Greater than 200 statements taken in Sliabh Liag homicide probe was final modified: October 2nd, 2023 by Workers Author