THE JURY HAS BEEN sworn in at the trial of two men accused of murdering Co Tyrone woman Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius last year.
McAreavey, 27, was on honeymoon with her husband John McAreavey when she was found dead in the couple’s hotel room in January 2011. She had been strangled.
Avinash Treebhoowon, 30, and Sandip Moneea, 41, two former employees of the hotel where the McAreaveys were spending their honeymoon, have been accused of the murder and both deny the charges.
They face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking outside the court today, John McAreavey’s sister Claire appealed to the media not to say or do anything to compromise or prejudice the trial.
“This is a very distressing time for both our families, and the days ahead will be very difficult for us,” she read from a prepared statement.
“We appreciate the interest and support of many media outlets over the past year but we hope that whilst here in Mauritius the media will recognise and accept our need for space and privacy for the duration of the trial.”
John McAreavey is expected to give evidence at the trial as a witness for the prosecution.
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