The Indian man who was found guilty of the rape and murder of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin will learn his sentence tomorrow.
Vikat Bhagat was convicted on Friday following a marathon eight-year trial in Goa.
He could now face a life sentence in prison or the death penalty, which is being sought by the prosecution.
Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in western Goa state will confirm the sentencing on Monday.
Bhagat was arrested on the day of the discovery of Danielle McLaughlin’s body in a field in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, in March 2017. She was 28 years old at the time, and had just arrived in India weeks earlier with the goal of doing yoga teacher training.
Danielle’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, her sister Jolene and friend Louise O’Hagan attended the court in India to hear the verdict this week.
In an emotional statement afterwards, they said the quest for truth and justice is “no easy matter, as we have discovered”.
“In memory of Danielle, we stayed patient and respectful of the Indian legal system with the aid also of the British and Irish consular staff,” they added.
“We are glad to have visited the area where Danielle spent her last days on this earth, painful and difficult as that was.
“We now hope not only that Danielle can rest in peace, but that we as a family can have some peace and comfort knowing that the person who brutally raped and murdered our precious Danielle has been convicted.”
A separate statement posted on behalf of the family on the “Truth For Danielle McLaughlin” Facebook page, they said: “We have lost nearly 8 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 touch 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.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the verdict on Friday and 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.
“In partnership with the UK, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – through the Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate General in Mumbai and Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin – has been consistently engaged on this case to seek progress towards a conclusion to the court case.
“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.”