
‘Interest of justice' – Family welcome inquest into ‘horrific' killing of Irish backpacker in India after man guilty
THE family of a Donegal woman who was murdered in India eight years ago have welcomed an Irish inquest into her death.
Her body was discovered in a secluded spot in Canacona,
She had only arrived in Goa on February 22 of that year.
Following an eight year trial,
He has received a life sentence for the horror crime.
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Now, Danielle's mum
In a statement through solicitor Desmond Doherty, she thanked
She said: "I understand and appreciate that the circumstances of Danielle's case, and the fact that she was killed when abroad makes her case exceptional.
"It is very heartening that the relevant authorities, here in Ireland, showed their compassion and care in agreeing to and supporting the requirement for an inquest to be held in Donegal, Danielle's home, after the horrific events that ended her beautiful life thousands of miles away."
Most read in Irish News
INCOMING INQUEST
Brannigan has since confirmed that her
This is to assist the coroner as he begins separate investigations.
It is expected that a hearing will follow this.
At the time of the killing, Danielle was studying to be a yoga teacher after only arriving in
Bhagat, who had been a friend of Danielle's during the time she spent in
He was arrested only hours following the discovery of her body.
She had originally gone to India as a a
'WONDERFUL DAUGHTER'
Following the killer's conviction,
She said: 'We are just so glad our long campaign for justice is finally over and Danielle can rest in peace.
'No family should have had to wait so long for justice but we can focus on remembering a wonderful daughter, sister and friend.
'We had to be in Goa for the verdict and the sentence as we wanted to see justice being done.
'I recently became a gran and Danielle would have loved being an auntie.
'She has missed out on so much over the years. How could someone commit such an appalling level of violence on a wonderful human being?'
1
Danielle McLaughlin was horrifically killed in 2017
Credit: Family handout/PA Wire

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