25/05/2012

Honeymoon Murder Trial Briefly Adjourned

Proceedings were adjourned briefly at a trial of two men accused of murdering a Northern Irish honeymooner.

The defence lawyer for one of the accused persistently asked a police officer about personal items found in Michaela and John McAreavey's hotel room after the 27-year-old was found dead.

Sanjeev Teeluckdharry's questioning centred on a laptop, a book and a sex guide.

But lawyer for the prosecution Mehdi Manrakhan objected to the line of questioning and Justice Prithviraj Fecknah adjourned proceedings for a period of time at the court in Port Louis, Mauritius, this morning.

Newly-wed Mrs McAreavey, from County Tyrone, was found strangled on January 10 last year.

The prosecution allege she intercepted a burglary by two hotel staff, who are now on trial.

Police have spoken about their actions in the days after newly-wed Mrs McAreavey was killed.

Following criticism yesterday of the police photographer, it emerged that widower John AcAreavey was asked to return to the honeymoon suite in order to be photographed by police.

The sergeant in charge of the photographer was cross-examined in court.

He said Mr McAreavey was photographed pointing at the bath where he found his wife dead, and at the floor where he tried to revive her.

Treebhoowoon, 30, and his co-accused Sandip Moneea, 42, both former staff at the now-renamed Legends Hotel on the island, deny premeditated murder.

The trial continues.

(NE)

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