PANAJI: A Goa Court on Friday convicted 31-year old Vikat Bhagat of raping and murdering Irish-British woman Danielle McLaughlin in 2017.
The District and Sessions Court at Margao found Bhagat, the sole accused in the case. He was also convicted for destruction of evidence.
The Court, presided by Judge Kshama Joshi is scheduled to pronounce the punishment on February 17.
The prosecution has requested Court to impose the maximum sentence on the convict.
Danielle, from County Donegal, Ireland, was found dead in a field in Canacona, in South Goa in March 2017. The post-mortem revealed that she had suffered brain damage and strangulation.
Danielle's mother Andrea Brannigan and her sister Joleen McLaughlin were present in the Court when the judgement was pronounced.
Stating that the justice is delivered, they both expressed their gratitude to the Indian legal system and embassies for their support throughout the process.
Danielle's family added that, although the trial was emotionally exhausting, they are relieved that the man who took their loved one’s life has been convicted.
