THE man who was found guilty of the rape and murder of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin in India almost eight years ago has been sentenced to life in prison.
Local man, Vikat Bhagat was found guilty at the District and Sessions Court in south Goa, India on Friday after the criminal proceedings against him were beset with constant delays over an almost eight-year period.
Ms McLaughlin’s body was found by a farmer in a field in a remote location in Goa.
The 28-year-old, who had been travelling and backpacking in the area, had been raped and murdered.
Today’s hearing is likely to bring some closure for the family and friends of Ms McLaughlin who have fought for justice following her death in March 2017.
Ms McLaughlin’s mother Andrea Brannigan and her sister Jolene travelled to Goa to hear the verdict on Friday.