Danielle's murderer in bid for freedom

Indian court could release killer until ruling on his appeal

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

THE MAN convicted of raping and murdering Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin is seeking a suspension of his life sentence until the High Court in Bombay, India, decides on his appeal.

This has left Danielle's heartbroken mum Andrea Brannigan and her family “shocked” and in disbelief. Vikat Bhagat, 31, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in February after being found guilty of the rape and murder of Danielle, 28, is to have his application for the suspension of his sentence listed on October 13.

The body of Danielle, from Buncrana, was found by a farmer in a field near Canacona, a part of Goa popular with tourists, on March 14, 2017.

She had only travelled to India two weeks beforehand.

The Goa court noted evidence that showed Bhagat had dumped the bag that was identified as belonging to Danielle.