THE trial of a man accused of the rape and murder of Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin in India could get underway as early as next week.
The 28-year-old from Buncrana was found dead in a field in the western state of Goa in March this year.
She had been travelling in India and attended the annual Holi festival.
A local man, Vikat Bhagat (24), was charged with Ms McLaughlin’s rape and murder and has been held in custody.
At a hearing in Goa on Thursday, Judge Saynora Teles Laad adjourned the case until Thursday January 4 because a public prosecutor was not present.
Bhagat’s lawyer, Arun Bras de Sa, was due to present “arguments before charge”.
An application was filed by the accused's father, Surendra Bhagat, to have his son’s motor scooter released by police.
It had been held as evidence since Bhagat’s arrest.
The prosecution opposed the application, with a lawyer arguing it held traces of evidence which could be destroyed if released.
A number of events were held in memory of Ms McLaughlin in her native Inishowen over Christmas.
A carol service and a charity waxing night were held in Buncrana.
The events were organised by the “Truth for Danielle” campaign to raise money to fund legal and other expenses incurred by her family.
