Ireland

Woman charged with Co Tyrone man's murder at Sliabh Liag tells court 'I didn't do it'

Robin Wilkin's body was found in the sea off Slieve League in Co Donegal
Robin Wilkin's body was found in the sea off Slieve League in Co Donegal

A woman has appeared in court charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in waters off Sliabh Liag mountain in Co Donegal.

Nikita Burns, 21, of Bundoran Westend Accommodation, Westend, Magheracar, Bundoran, appeared at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday.

She is charged with the murder contrary to common law of Robert Wilkin, also known as Robin Wilkin, at an unknown place on Sunday June 25.

Mr Wilkin, in his 60s, was from Co Tyrone.

His body was recovered from the sea below Sliabh Liag on July 3 after a major search operation.

Burns was arrested on Monday.

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Outlining details of the arrest, charge and caution, Detective Sergeant Mattie Murphy told judge Ciaran Liddy that the accused was charged at Ballyshannon Garda Station at 10.21pm on Monday.

“In reply to the charge, Nikita Burns said ‘I didn’t do it’,” the detective sergeant told the court.

Burns, who sat in the dock wearing a black jumper, did not speak during the hearing.

No application for bail was made and Burns was remanded in custody to appear before the same court, via videolink, on September 4.

Defence solicitor Rory O’Brien applied for legal aid.

He also asked that his client receive all necessary medical treatment, including psychiatric care, while in custody.

A 38-year-old man was previously remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with Mr Wilkin’s murder.