Missing McAreavey Witness Gives New Statement To Police

Detectives leading a new inquiry into the murder of Michaela McAreavey’s have interviewed a former bellboy, who was one of the first people to arrive at the scene.

Rajiv Bhujun, a former employee at Legends Hotel in Mauritius, had previously made a statement to police, however, when called to give evidence at the trial of two room cleaners accused of the murdering, he was said to be working on a cruise ship and out of contact.

Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Moneea were unanimously acquitted after an eight-week trial, and a new investigation into the death of the teacher from Co Tyrone began last month.

The trial heard that Mr Bhujun arrived at the murder scene when Ms McAreavey’s husband John screamed for help after finding his wife’s body.

The bellboy had just moments earlier opened the door of the bedroom, as Mr McAreavey did not have a key.

A police spokesman said Mr Bhujun returned to Mauritius in recent days and presented himself at a police station in the capital Port Louis for questioning on Wednesday.

Mr Bhujun’s statement on the events of January 10th last year – the day of the killing – broadly tallied with evidence from other witnesses, but it is understood he suggested a back door leading from the McAreaveys’ room to a beach-facing terrace may have been open when he entered the room. A number of other witnesses said they believed that door was closed.

Under intense pressure to solve the crime, the Mauritian authorities reacted to the two acquittals by establishing a new inquiry.

Detectives not attached to the major crime investigation team are leading it.

The major crime investigation team was accused of mistreating one of the defendants and making errors that undermined the original inquiry.

(H)