'Court Chaos' Over Michaela Murder

Three men have appeared in a near-chaotic courtroom in Mauritius charged in connection with the murder of NI newlywed Michaela McAreavey - and a fourth is due to be in the dock shortly.

The 27-year-old daughter of Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, from Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, was found strangled in her honeymoon suite in the four-star Legends Hotel In Grand Gaube last week. It is believed that she was killed because she interrupted an attempted burglary.

Sandip Moneea, 41, and Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, have been charged with murder and Raj Theekoy, 33, has been charged with conspiracy to murder. All three are staff at the hotel where they newlyweds were staying - Mr Moneea is understood to be a supervisor, while Mr Treebhoowoon and Mr Theekoy are believed to be room attendants. All three have been remanded in custody. Mr Treebhoowoon is reported to have confessed to the killing.

There were reports of chaotic scenes outside the court, due to attempts to prevent the media and family members of the accused men from attending the hearing.

A fourth man has also been charged in connection with killing and is due to appear in court shortly. Dassen Narayanen is reported to work as a security guard at the same hotel.

Around 3,000 mourners attended Mrs McAreavey's funeral at St Malachy's church in Ballymacilroy, Co. Tyrone on Monday - the same church where she had married her husband John on December 30.

(KMcA)