An issue has arisen in the Robert Wilkin murder trial, which has resulted in the case being adjourned until Monday week.

Alan Vial, of Drumanoo, Killybegs, County Donegal; and Nikita Burns of Carrick, County Donegal, are accused of murdering Mr Wilkin and throwing his body off Sliabh Ligh in June 2023.

This trial opened on January 17th with the prosecuting barrister, Bernard Condon SC, outlining the State’s case against Alan Vial and Nikita Burns.

Their case is that Robert Wilkin died from a violent assault at a location between Killybegs and Sliabh Ligh, and that his body was disposed over the cliffs.

Mr Condon accused Mr Vial and Ms Burns of acting together to murder the 66-year-old.

They have both pleaded not guilty.

When the jurors returned this morning, the judge told them there was an unavoidable issue that needed to be addressed by the parties.

With that in mind, and with the jury’s agreement, he adjourned the case until February 24th; and said the case would enter its closing stages that week.

Pictured the Central Criminal Court of Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie