A verdict in the long-running trial in India of the man accused of murdering Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin almost eight years ago is expected tomorrow morning.
Judgment was expected at the Margao District and Sessions Court in Goa today.
However, the trial has been adjourned until 2pm local time (8.30am Irish time) tomorrow.
A local man, 31-year-old Vikat Bhagat is charged with raping and murdering Ms McLaughlin on 14 March 2017.
Vikram Varma, a lawyer representing the McLaughlin family, said the court was on leave this morning and the case has been adjourned until tomorrow afternoon for judgment.
Mr Varma said: "I think the prosecution has done a good job, but nobody knows the mind of a judge until the verdict because the judge has to depend upon the evidence, the technicalities and then do justice. We have faith in the system."
Ms McLaughlin, who was from Buncrana, had only been in India for two weeks in early 2017 when she was killed.
She turned 28 the month before her death and had been home for the celebrations.
On 14 March 2017, her body was found by a farmer in a field in a remote location near Canacona, a part of Goa popular with tourists. She had been raped and murdered.
Ms McLaughlin had previously spent time in India as a volunteer in an orphanage and was planning to learn to teach yoga while travelling.
Mr Bhaga, who Ms McLaughlin knew, was arrested within hours of her body being discovered.
Approaching eight years since Ms McLaughlin's death, the wheels of the Indian justice system have been turning slowly.
The case was brought to court on more than 250 occasions with several lengthy delays.
Hearings have sometimes lasted only 30 minutes on any given day, and on more than one occasion they have been adjourned due to the unavailability of the suspect.
Ms McLaughlin held British and Irish passports. Diplomats from both nations have met with officials in Goa on several occasions to discuss her case.
She was buried in Buncrana, after her body was brought home to Donegal, with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Ms McLaughlin's mother Andrea previously told RTÉ News the delays have been very tough for her family.
"When the case is delayed, it’s stopping me grieving and it’s stopping Danielle's sister and her friends all grieving. I want that all to end so we can get peace."
