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.

One of the accused, Avinash Treebhoowoon, has previously alleged police beat him up in a bid to make him confess.

Port Louis's Supreme Court heard today that Treebhoowoon first admitted involvement in the crime when his lawyer, Ravi Rutnah, was absent.

Treebhoowoon's current defence counsel Sanjeev Teeluckdharry said the head of the investigation team had breached his client's human rights.

He said: "You chose to breach the accused's constitutional, fundamental human right to counsel as provided by article 5 of our constitution."

But Chief Inspector Luciano Gerard replied: "My lord, before I interviewed him, I informed him of his constitutional rights."

The court was also told that key potential witnesses were not questioned.

A couple staying at the Legends Hotel where Mrs McAreavey was found dead wanted to make a statement, but were allegedly not given the opportunity.

The trial also heard that the residents staying next door to the honeymoon suite in the complex, as well as the hotel nurse and a doctor who attended Mrs McAreavey, were not questioned after the murder.

The trial continues.

(NE)