13/06/2012

McAreavey Trial Adjourned To Address 'Legal Issues'

THE trial the Michaela McAreavey murder accused has been adjourned without hearing evidence today.

The unexpected move came after a lawyer for one of the defendants told the court he needed time to address outstanding legal issues.

Co Tyrone teacher Mrs McAreavey, 27, was found dead in her room at the luxury Legends Hotel on the island in January last year.

Former hotel employees Avinash Treebhoowoon, 31, and Sandip Moneea, 42, deny murdering the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte.

Court was around 40 minutes late getting under way this morning and when proceedings eventually began, Rama Valayden, representing Moneea, asked judge Mr Justice Prithviraj Fecknah for the adjournment.

The barrister had been set to recommence his cross-examination of Mauritius's assistant commissioner of police Yoosoof Soopun.

Mr Valayden said: "I know I am in the middle of cross-examination but I would ask the court to be indulgent so that we can have some time to discuss some matters.".

Chief prosecutor Mehdi Manrakhan said he had no objection to rising for the day, noting that there were "exceptional" circumstances and some important matters to be addressed.

Judge Fecknah agreed to the request saying: "If what's being done is in the interests of justice, I think we can have one day to sort things out."

(H)

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