Mr Justice Paul McDermott is delivering charge to jury in trial of Alan Vial (39) and Nikita Burns (23), who deny murder of Robert ‘Robin’ Wilkin in Donegal in 2023
In the Sliabh Liag murder trial of Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, who both deny murdering Robert Wilkin, the jury was warned by Mr. Justice Paul McDermott about the potential danger of relying on Vial's testimony implicating Burns. The judge emphasized that Vial's testimony should be approached with caution due to the risk of fabrication, and should only be considered if corroborated by other evidence. The jury was instructed that if a joint enterprise to murder is proven, individual roles need not be established; otherwise, individual responsibility must be considered. The judge also cautioned the jury to carefully assess the reasons behind any lies told during the trial before using them as evidence of guilt.
