India - Irish Backpacker, Danielle McLaughlin, 28, Raped and Strangled, Goa, 12 March 2017 *Arrest*

[PastTense]

"Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin was found with her face "smashed beyond recognition" after her killer mutilated her with a stone to destroy evidence, a murder trial has heard.

Danielle, 28, from from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was discovered dead lying in a pool of blood in Goa where authorities say she was raped and murdered in March last year.

Yesterday, the Sessions Court of South Goa heard Vikat Bhagat struck Danielle with a beer bottle when she tried to resist him before he raped and strangled her, according to a police charge sheet.

Bhagat, 23, then smashed the victim’s face with a stone to destroy evidence, the court heard."
Backpacker raped and murdered in Goa had face "smashed beyond recognition"

"THE Co Donegal mother and sister of murder victim Danielle McLaughlin (28) have told how they are struggling to cope with the fact the trial in India could last more than five years.

Andrea Brannigan-McLaughlin and her daughter Joleen said the stop-start nature of the case is stopping them from grieving properly...

Bhagat’s trial got underway in April last year. However, more than a year later, only seven witnesses have been heard and the judge has been changed twice, on one occasion because he was promoted."
https://www.irishnews.com/news/nort...trial-in-india-could-last-five-years-1652731/

 

[JerseyGirl]

THE Co Donegal mother and sister of murder victim Danielle McLaughlin (28) have told how they are struggling to cope with the fact the trial in India could last more than five years.

Danielle, from Buncrana in Inishowen, had been travelling in Goa in March 2017 when her body was found in a field close to Canacona.

A local man, Vikhat Bhagat (24), was arrested and charged with raping and murdering her.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/nort...trial-in-india-could-last-five-years-1652731/

 

[JerseyGirl]

Danielle McLaughlin's mother calls on Taoiseach to raise 'slow pace' trial in Goa - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

 

[CoverMeCagney]

If it's anything like Sarah Groves and Scarlet Keelings cases it could be well over 5 years.

By the way I just checked Sarah's thread and the next court appearance will be number 176

 

[JerseyGirl]

Danielle McLaughlin’s mother says Victims’ Charter is a ‘step in the right direction’

 

[ifindedout]

Danielle McLaughlin: Mother hopeful trial could end this year

There have been numerous delays into Danielle McLaughlin's murder trial in India over the years.

www.bbc.com

The mother of an Irish woman who was raped and murdered in India seven years ago has said she is "hopeful" the trial will conclude this year.

Danielle McLaughlin, from County Donegal, was 28 years old when she was found dead in a field in the western state of Goa in March 2017.

[...]

In 2023, a court in India directed that the trial should be concluded in 2024.

[...]

The family's lawyer, Des Doherty, told North West Today: "The trial should be over, we are hoping, by September.

"So, I think we're in the last quarter of a very, very long, difficult trial.

"I have read that it is now turning into one of the longest murder trials in the world.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

With only a handful of witnesses left to give their evidence, the conclusion of the seven-year trial is nearing its end with the prosecution likely to complete their part in the middle to end of July.

However, the defence will be given an opportunity to respond to the prosecution’s case and with closing speeches this could bring the end date to August.

The presiding judge will then deliver her verdict and if he is found guilty, a sentencing hearing will take place.

Now Danielle’s mum Andrea Brannigan has revealed she is "nervous and scared" that despite there being enough evidence against Bhagat, "it doesn’t guarantee a guilty verdict."

Mum of murdered Danielle McLaughlin 'nervous & scared' as trial comes to an end

Danielle, 28, from Buncrana, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona - an area of Goa in India popular with holidaymakers - on March 14, 2017

www.irishmirror.ie