Nikita Burns wept as prison officers escorted her from the court while Vial chatted with members of his legal team.

The jury of seven women and five men began their deliberations on Tuesday in the trial of Alan Vial (39) and Nikita Burns (23)

Eoin Lawlor SC, delivered his closing speech on behalf of his client Nikita Burns (23) who told gardaí that her co-accused Alan Vial (39) had delivered the blows that caused the death of Robert 'Robin' Wilkin

Alan Vial (39) said that he lied in his garda interviews and didn't reveal what he now alleges Nikita Burns (23) had done because he was "trying to protect Nikita, because I had feelings for her"

She said they had been drunk and "Alan smashed his head in" and that the deceased's body is missing.