The mother of murdered Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin says it was 'surreal' to stand so close to her killer Vikat Bhagat as he was convicted of her murder in an Indian courtroom. Bhagat is now facing the possibility of a death sentence for brutally raping and murdering Danielle in Goa in March 2017.
The mother of murdered Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin says it was “surreal” to stand so close to her killer Vikat Bhagat as he was convicted of her murder in an Indian courtroom. Evil Bhagat is now facing the possibility of a death sentence for brutally raping and murdering Danielle in Goa in March 2017.
On Friday, Danielle’s mum, Andrea Brannigan, stood close to criminal Bhagat as he was finally found guilty eight years after the murder. Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Andrea said: “It was surreal to be that close to him, but he was wearing a mask over his face and he didn’t look at us.” While Andrea is now relieved that justice has been served for Danielle, she says she has no emotion towards Bhagat, who will learn his fate at a sentencing hearing on Monday.Meanwhile, Danielle’s family and friends visited the site of where she was raped and murdered in India, stating: “We felt her spirit so strongly there”. The guilty verdict comes after an eight-year legal battle, with Danielle’s family saying her “truth has finally been heard,” and they can now start grieving her immeasurable loss. Criminal Bhagat was arrested several hours after Danielle’s body was discovered by a local farmer in a field in a remote location in Goa on March 14, 2017. On Friday, Danielle’s mum and sister, Joleen Mc Laughlin Brannigan, and her best friend visited the scene, which has now been set up as a memorial to Danielle. Speaking about the emotional visit, Andrea said: “We found such comfort in how peaceful it was. We felt her spirit so strongly there.” Meanwhile, Bhagat is set to be sentenced on Monday, with prosecution lawyers seeking the death penalty. Under Indian law, anyone found guilty of murder can be either sentenced to death or to life in prison. Prior to the horror killing, Danielle had travelled to India to train as a yoga teacher. The night before she was found dead, Danielle had attended a Holi party near Canacona beach in the south of Goa. The murder trial got underway in July 2017 but it had been beset by constant delays and setbacks for almost eight years.In a statement, they said: “We have lost nearly eight years of our lives fighting for Danielle and we are so thankful that we now can start grieving her immeasurable loss. “She was so much more than a daughter, sister and best friend. She lit up every room she entered and touched the lives of all who met her. She brought so much good into this world and he so quickly took her from this world with his cruelty.” Danielle’s family and friends also thanked the Irish and UK embassies, public prosecutors, lawyers and investigating officers involved in their fight for justice. “We are so grateful that they fought for her just as hard as we have. We are so thankful that their hard work has paid off and that Vikat has been found guilty.” They said they had Danielle in their lives for 28 years and wished they could have seen the woman she would have become but because of Vikat she will forever be 28. “We are so thankful that everyone involved in her case has treated her like their daughter and us with how much they have cared and fought so tirelessly for her.” Tanaiste Simon Harris said: “I would like to pay tribute to Danielle’s family, and in particular, to her mother Andrea for her determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.” Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
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