The mother of Donegal backpacker Danielle McLaughlin — who was raped and murdered in India five years ago — is to write to the Chief Minister of Goa to request that the murder trial is speeded up.
Andrea Brannigan will also tell the Chief Minister that she fears she will never get justice for Danielle because of the
continuous delays the trial has faced since it began almost three and a half years ago.
“I will also let the Chief Minister know how much of an effect it is all having on my mental health and how unfair it is that the trial is continuously adjourned for one reason or another,” Andrea told the Irish Mirror.
READ MORE: Mum of tragic Danielle McLaughlin wishes her killing was 'all a bad nightmare' on 33rd birthday
Danielle (28), from Buncrana, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, on March 14, 2017.
She had travelled to India where she planned 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.
A local man, Vikat Bhagat, has been charged with the rape and murder of Danielle and the trial opened in 2018.
The 23-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, murder, violent robbery and destruction of evidence.
The trial initially opened at Court Margao on April 6, 2018, but has only continued intermittently since then.
“Last month the trial was adjourned because the judge was on childcare leave. The judicial system would have known this and should have gotten a different judge that day but they didn’t,” said a frustrated Andrea.
“Then it was adjourned again on April 25 because Public Witness 10 was absent and a warrant was issued for their arrest.
“Then on Monday, May 2 it was adjourned again because Public Witness 10 didn’t turn up again.
“It’s one thing after another. It’s unbelievable really. It just doesn’t look like Danielle will get any justice after all this time. The trial only happens intermittently and it’s very tough on me.
“It’s frustrating and annoying and never-ending,” said a heartbroken Andrea.
“I don’t know if writing to the Chief Minister of Goa will do anything. The UK Embassy has encouraged me to do it. At least they will know my feelings on it all.”
According to Goa police, Bhagat struck Danielle with a beer bottle when she tried to resist him before he raped and strangled her.
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