A further blow has been dealt to the mum of murdered Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin as the judgement in the murder trial - due on Thursday - has now been postponed until Friday afternoon.
Andrea Brannigan, who has flown to India for the judgement at the High Court in Goa, has been left in 'complete shock' at the latest setback in the near eight-year nightmare murder trial.
The latest setback is because the presiding judge, who was due to deliver her judgement in the murder trial, is on 'casual leave', according to court documents seen by The Irish Mirror.
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The court document also shows that Danielle's murder accused, Vikat Bhagat, was produced in court via video link from Central Jail Colvale. As a result, an email has been sent by the court staff to the jailor to "produce the accused physically on the next hearing date," which has now been set for Friday afternoon for the judgement to be delivered.
Danielle, 28, from Buncrana, was found dead in a secluded spot in India's Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers on March 14, 2017. She would have celebrated her 36th birthday last Tuesday, February 4.
This latest setback has now left Danielle's mum Andrea "shocked and upset."
"I don't even know if the judgement will go ahead on Friday now," said Andrea, who has suffered setback after setback in the near eight-year murder trial which has been delayed on numerous occasions since it commenced in July 2017.
"It's frustrating and upsetting," Andrea told the Irish Mirror from India on Thursday. Andrea has been living in a "complete nightmare" since her beloved daughter Danielle was murdered.
Danielle had travelled to India where she planned to train as a yoga teacher. The night before she was found dead, she had attended a Holi party near Canacona beach in the south of Goa.
Local man Vikat Bhagat has pleaded not guilty to Danielle's rape and murder and has remained in custody since July 2017.
Earlier Andrea said: "I need it over as it's eight years in March since Danielle was murdered. We don't know what way the judge will go with a verdict. There is enough evidence but that doesn't guarantee a guilty verdict. I am nervous and scared.
"I can't guarantee a guilty verdict. No-one can," Andrea said, adding she is preparing herself for either verdict. "I know what verdict I want and I am trying to stay positive but it is scary."
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