Accused in Slieve League murder trial claims victim was alive when last seen

bbc.com February 4, 2025, 09:00 PM UTC

A man accused of murdering Robert Wilkin claims the victim was "alive and breathing" when he last saw him at Slieve League cliffs in June 2023. Ian Vial, 39, denies throwing Wilkin off the cliff, suggesting he could have fallen. Vial described a fight with Wilkin, stating he struck him but did not use a rock. He admitted to cleaning blood from the car but denied trying to destroy evidence. Vial's co-accused, Nikita Burns, is also charged with murder. CCTV footage contradicted Vial's account, leading him to acknowledge mistakes but maintain he did not lie. He accused Wilkin of inappropriate behavior towards Burns, asserting neither intended for Wilkin to die. The trial is ongoing.


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