'Rigorous' life imprisonment for man who raped and murdered Danielle McLaughlin

Vikat Bhagat has been sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment for the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin in India in 2017.

Bhagat was handed the sentence at the District and Sessions Court in Goa.

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. His trial had been ongoing for 2017 but was beset by a series of delays and legal challenges.

Additional Sessions Judge Kshama Joshi handed down the sentencing. 

Prosecutors sought for Bhagat to be given the death penalty.

Ms McLaughlin's mother Andrea Brannigan and her sister Jolene travelled to India this week for the hearing.

Bhagat was sentenced to “rigorous” life imprisonment for the murder of Ms McLaughlin.

He was also handed a second life term for rape and three years in prison for destrorying evidence.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

Bhagat, who has spent seven years in prisin, can apply for release after 14 years behind bars.

His defence counsel, Adv Franco, said that Bhagat would appeal both the conviction and the sentence.

After the verdict was announced on Friday, 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.”

Ms McLaughlin, a former student at John Moores University in Liverpool, was in India only a fortnight when she was murdered. She went to attend Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours, having previously spent time in India volunteering in an orphenage. 

Within hours of her body being discovered, Bhagat - who was known to Mc McLaughlin - was arrested.

A post-mortem found that the cause of death was brain damage and strangulation.

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, paid tribute to Ms McLaughlin’s family, and in particular, her mother, saying she had shown “determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy”.

Mr Harris said: “While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope that this verdict represents some closure for the family.

“My thoughts will remain with them as they continue to grieve the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. May Danielle rest in peace.”