'I have to have some regard to the public purse': Sliabh Liag murderers denied three senior barristers for appeal

Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of murdering Robert Wilkin near Sliabh Liag in County Donegal, have been denied legal aid for a third senior barrister to represent them in their Court of Appeal bid to overturn their convictions. Mr Justice John Edwards ruled that legal aid would cover two counsel per defendant, stating he must have regard to public resources. Vial, aged 39, from Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23, from Carrick, were found guilty by Central Criminal Court jury in March of murdering the 66-year-old on 25 June 2023. Mr Wilkin's body was recovered from the sea below the cliffs eight days after he was thrown over. The judge noted that appeal hearings are shorter than trials, do not involve live evidence, and are typically presented by a single barrister. The prosecution informed the court it would not seek three counsel for its case. Burns's application to extend her appeal deadline was granted.