Nightmare trial of Danielle McLaughlin's murder inches closer to conclusion
Danielle’s heartbroken mum Andrea Brannigan, who has been fighting for justice for her daughter for seven and a half years, hopes the judgement comes before February 4, 2025 which would have been Danielle’s 36th birthday
The nightmare trial of backpacker Danielle McLaughlin’s rape and murder in India is inching closer to closure after almost eight years.
Danielle, 28, from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa in India popular with holidaymakers, on March 14, 2017.
The night before she was found dead, Danielle had attended a Holi party near Canacona beach in the south of Goa. She had been brutally raped and murdered.
READ MORE - Mum of murdered Danielle McLaughlin fears she'll never get her daughter's belongings back
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Local man, Vikat Bhagat, has been charged with her rape and murder.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, murder, violent robbery and destruction of evidence.
The trial, which commenced on July 4, 2017 was supposed to conclude on July 17 this year.
However, it was extended until October 17 but a new deadline was then given for February 17, 2025.
This is despite representations made by both Irish and British diplomats to the Chief Minister in Goa and the Head of Prosecution.
Now, we can reveal the trial has reached the final arguments stage where both the prosecution and defence put forward their cases – nearly eight years after it started making it one of the longest running murder trials in the world.
This is expected to last several hearings before the judge works on her judgement and delivers her verdict.
Bhagat has concluded his statement which took nearly a month to hear.
Danielle’s heartbroken mum Andrea Brannigan, who has been fighting for justice for her daughter for seven and a half years, hopes the judgement comes before February 4, 2025 which would have been Danielle’s 36th birthday.
However, the High Court of Bombay in Goa where the trial is taking place, has stated an extension was given for the case to conclude by February 17, 2025, taking it into its eighth year.
Andrea has now said she is "relieved" the nightmare trial is finally reaching a conclusion – but is nervous about the verdict.
"I’m relieved it’s reaching a conclusion but am also nervous about the final verdict," said Andrea, who hopes to travel to Goa for the judge’s judgement.
Earlier she told us she needs the trial concluded so she can properly grieve Danielle.
Andrea added: "I need it finished so I can grieve Danielle and hopefully get justice for her. It’s been never-ending and a nightmare and I just want it finished but I am nervous of the final verdict.
"We don’t know what way the judge will go with a verdict. There is enough evidence but that doesn’t guarantee a guilty verdict. I am nervous and scared.
"I know what verdict I want and I am trying to stay positive but it is scary."
In an earlier interview with The Irish Mirror, Andrea said the last time she spoke with Danielle was via text message on March 13, 2017 at 11.30am when she told her she was "with my friend Vikat" and other pals.
"It’s holi and a crazy day in India. It’s safe though. I am nowhere near the crowds," Danielle’s message continued.
Andrea replied: "Please be careful x."
Within hours of sending that text message, Danielle was raped and murdered and her body was found on an isolated stretch of open field between Agonda and Canacona beaches.
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