A man and a woman have appeared in court charged with the murder of a man in his 60s whose body was found off the Sliabh Liag cliffs in Co Donegal.
Alan Vial, 38, and Nikita Burns, 21, appeared separately by videolink at Letterkenny District Court.
Both are charged that on the 25th of June, 2023 at a place unknown within the State, did murder one Robert Wilkin (also known as Robin Wilkin.)
Their arrests followed a week-long search for the remains of Mr Wilkins who was originally from Northern Ireland.
His remains were found off Sliabh Liag on July 3rd last after a large-scale search by a number of state agencies including the Gardai, the Irish Coastguard and the Rescue 118 helicopter.
Vial’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, enquired as to the development of a book of evidence in his client’s case.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins said the book of evidence was at an “advanced stage” but he was not sure if it was ready.
Vial, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, was remanded in custody to appear again by videolink on September 18th.
Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien appeared for Burns.
When the charge was initially put to Burns of no fixed abode on August 28th last, she replied “I didn’t do it.”
She appeared by videolink today when Mr O’Brien said he presumed that directions in the case were still outstanding from the Director of Public Prosecutions officer.
Sergeant Collins said he was seeking two weeks for all matters in the case to travel with Vial’s case.
Mr O’Brien said “I presume the state is endeavoring to expedite all matters.”
The case was adjourned, also to September 18th, to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions office.