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30/05/2012
Lawyer Withdraws From Honeymoon Murder Trial
A honeymoon murder trial has been adjourned for the day after a lawyer walked out.
The dramatic twist came after a court in Mauritius heard evidence relating to the moments before Tyrone newlywed Michaela McAreavey died.
Lawyer Ravi Rutnah said his professional integrity had been questioned and he would no longer represent accused Avinash Treebhoowoon.
A prosecution witness said the lawyer was late for a meeting with his client two days after the murder and then shared fried rice with police officers.
He said: "As a direct consequence of (the claims), I have decided to withdraw."
Mr Rutnah will now act as a witness in the trial of Treebhoowoon and co-accused Sandip Moneea, who both deny murder.
Details of an alleged confession were read out to the court earlier today.
Treebhoowoon’s statement said that Mrs McAreavey had found him in her honeymoon suite, holding her purse, which he intended to steal.
It read: "I tried to leave, but she tried to stop me, so I pushed her and she fell on her back. I saw Sandip at that moment. She was screaming. So I told Sandip: 'Lets stop her screaming'."
The statement, which the court were told was made three days after the killing, said Mrs McAreavey lost consciousness and the men lifted her into the bath, where they ran the water so their traces would be covered.
Treebhoowoon has since claimed the confession was forced out of him after a beating at the hands of police officers.
The trial continues.
(NE)
The dramatic twist came after a court in Mauritius heard evidence relating to the moments before Tyrone newlywed Michaela McAreavey died.
Lawyer Ravi Rutnah said his professional integrity had been questioned and he would no longer represent accused Avinash Treebhoowoon.
A prosecution witness said the lawyer was late for a meeting with his client two days after the murder and then shared fried rice with police officers.
He said: "As a direct consequence of (the claims), I have decided to withdraw."
Mr Rutnah will now act as a witness in the trial of Treebhoowoon and co-accused Sandip Moneea, who both deny murder.
Details of an alleged confession were read out to the court earlier today.
Treebhoowoon’s statement said that Mrs McAreavey had found him in her honeymoon suite, holding her purse, which he intended to steal.
It read: "I tried to leave, but she tried to stop me, so I pushed her and she fell on her back. I saw Sandip at that moment. She was screaming. So I told Sandip: 'Lets stop her screaming'."
The statement, which the court were told was made three days after the killing, said Mrs McAreavey lost consciousness and the men lifted her into the bath, where they ran the water so their traces would be covered.
Treebhoowoon has since claimed the confession was forced out of him after a beating at the hands of police officers.
The trial continues.
(NE)
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01 June 2012
More Court Questions Over Mauritius Police Investigation
Police interrogated a suspect without a lawyer present and failed to take statements from people who were potential witnesses of a honeymoon murder. A court in Mauritius heard both claims today at the trial of two men accused of the murder of Michaela McAreavey.
More Court Questions Over Mauritius Police Investigation
Police interrogated a suspect without a lawyer present and failed to take statements from people who were potential witnesses of a honeymoon murder. A court in Mauritius heard both claims today at the trial of two men accused of the murder of Michaela McAreavey.
06 June 2012
Mauritius Murder Trial Hears Widower's Evidence
Police told the widower of a honeymoon strangling victim he would "get another wife," a court heard today. John McAreavey, whose wife Michaela was killed in their luxury hotel in Mauritius last January, told the island's Supreme Court about how the police treated him.
Mauritius Murder Trial Hears Widower's Evidence
Police told the widower of a honeymoon strangling victim he would "get another wife," a court heard today. John McAreavey, whose wife Michaela was killed in their luxury hotel in Mauritius last January, told the island's Supreme Court about how the police treated him.
12 June 2012
Hotel Played "Dirty Game", Mauritius Court Told
A senior police officer has told a Mauritius court that the husband of a murdered honeymooner was arrested because of a "dirty game" played by hotel managers desperate to protect their reputation.
Hotel Played "Dirty Game", Mauritius Court Told
A senior police officer has told a Mauritius court that the husband of a murdered honeymooner was arrested because of a "dirty game" played by hotel managers desperate to protect their reputation.
20 July 2012
Attorney General To Examine Papers Of Michaela McAreavey Murder
Northern Ireland's Attorney General is to examine papers from the trial into the murder of Michaela McAreavey it has been revealed. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is calling for the perpetrators of the killing to be brought to justice. Mr McGunness said that there was "every prospect" of a new trial.
Attorney General To Examine Papers Of Michaela McAreavey Murder
Northern Ireland's Attorney General is to examine papers from the trial into the murder of Michaela McAreavey it has been revealed. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is calling for the perpetrators of the killing to be brought to justice. Mr McGunness said that there was "every prospect" of a new trial.
25 May 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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
