THE trial has opened in India of a man accused of murdering Co Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin.
The 28-year-old from Buncrana was killed while visiting Goa in March last year.
Her body was found in an isolated field close to the tourist resort of Canacona shortly after she had taken part in the annual Indian Holi festival.
A post-mortem found the cause of her death was brain damage and strangulation.
A local man, Vikhat Bhagat (24), was arrested a short time later and charged with raping and murdering the Irish woman.
It is understood Indian police obtained CCTV footage showing Bhagat with Ms McLaughlin shortly before her death.
During yesterday’s hearing, a court heard evidence from Prashant Komarpant, the man who discovered Ms McLaughlin’s body.
He told the court he was on his way to his field when he saw her naked body.
“Her face was smashed and covered in blood,” he said.
The court was also shown pictures of the area where Ms McLaughlin’s body was found.
The case, which has been fast-tracked by Indian authorities, was adjourned until April 13.
A commemoration Mass was held last month at St Mary’s Church, Cockhill, Buncrana to mark the first anniversary of Ms McLaughlin’s death.
It is understood her mother, Andrea Brannigan, intends travelling to Goa for the verdict in the trial.
