Man found guilty of the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin in India
Vikat Bhagat, 31, was found guilty after a trial that has been ongoing since 2017
A man has been found guilty of the rape and murder of Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin in India almost eight years.
Vikat Bhagat, 31, was found guilty at the District and Sessions Court in Goa on Friday.
Ms McLaughlin, 28, from Buncrana, was backpacking in India when her body was discovered in a field in Canacona, a popular tourist area of Goa, on the morning of March 14, 2017.
Bhagat, a local man, had pleaded not guilty to all charges, which included violent robbery and destruction of evidence.
The trial has been ongoing since 2017 but has been beset by delays and legal challenges.
Ms McLaughlin's mother Andrea Brannigan and her sister Jolene travelled to India this week for the hearing.
Speaking on the steps of the courthouse, Jolene Brannigan, flanked by her mother Andrea and friend Louise O’Hagan, read a statement on behalf of the family.
“Danielle’s family and friends are so thankful to both embassies, public prosecutors, investigators and lawyers involved in our fight for justice," she said.
“They have treated her like their daughter and have tirelessly fought for her.
“We are so thankful that their hard work has paid off and that Bhagat has been found guilty of taking Danielle from us.
“We have lost nearly eight years of our lives fighting for Danielle and we are so thankful that we can now start grieving for our immeasurable loss.
“Danielle made the most of her 28 years and lived every day to the fullest. She was so kind and always so happy. She didn’t deserve what he put her through.
“We are so grateful to be able to be here for the verdict, and to see Goa, a place Danielle loved so much.”