The man who murdered Danielle McLaughlin has been jailed for life. 

The 28-year-old grew up in Buncrana in County Donegal and in February 2017 decided to go travelling in India.

Two weeks later, her body was found in a field in Goa.

31-year-old local man Vikhat Bhagat was convicted of her rape and and murder on Friday.

This morning, he was sentenced to life in prison for both counts - and his sentences are to run concurrently.

Speaking to RTÉ after the verdict, Ms McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea, said she felt she had received “justice” but that it would “never bring back my daughter."

In a statement, Tánaiste Simon Harris paid tribute to Ms McLaughlin’s family, who he said had shown “determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy”. 

“While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope that this verdict represents some closure for the family,” he said.

Main image: Danielle McLaughlin.