30/03/2011

Michaela Suspect Turns State's Witness

One of the men held in connection with the murder of Michaela McAreavey has agreed to turn State's Witness.

Legends Hotel room attendant Raj Theekoy had been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, but has been now released without charge after making the deal.

Mrs McAreavey, the daughter of Tyrone GAA boss Mickey Harte, was murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius in January and now just two employees of the prestious hotel are charged with the murder of the 27-year-old schoolteacher.

Speaking last night, the local police spokesman, Inspector Ranjit Jokhoo said Theekoy "heard and saw a lot of things and his evidence would be important to the prosecution".

It has transpired that Theekoy heard the victim's screams from outside her hotel room but failed to raise the alarm.

31-year-old Theekoy - also from Mauritius - was released after appearing in court on Tuesday.

Prosecutors revealed he had agreed to give vital evidence in the case against his former colleagues - Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, and 41-year-old Sandip Mooneea, who are accused of the newlywed's murder.

Ranjit Jokhu from Mauritian Police said: "The Director of Public Prosecution here has decided that Raj Theekoy will be an important witness for the prosecution".

Inspector Jokhoo said he was confident it would not take long for the case to come to trial.

(BMcC/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 June 2012
McAreavey Defendant Denies Lying
A man accused of murdering a Northern Irish newlywed in Mauritius last year has denied lying. Avinash Treebhoowoon, 32, is one of two former hotel workers accused of the murder of Michaela McAreavey. He was giving evidence in his own defence for the third day at the trial.
13 January 2011
Accused 'Confesses To Harte Murder'
Police in Mauritius have alleged that one of the three men charged in connection to the killing of Michaela Harte has confessed to the killing. Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, appeared in court on Wednesday, along with Sandip Moneea, 41, and Raj Theekoy, 33.
13 August 2025
Man Charged With Murder And Attempted Murder In Downpatrick
A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following the death of Stephen Brannigan and the serious assault of a priest in Downpatrick on Sunday, 10 August. The body of 56-year-old Mr Brannigan was discovered at a house in the Marian Park area of the town. On the same day, a priest was seriously assaulted at St Patrick's Church.
02 July 2025
Sarah Montgomery Murder: Man Charged With Murder And Child Destruction
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Major Investigation Team, who are investigating the murder of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery in Donaghadee, have charged a man with murder and child destruction. The 28-year-old man is expected to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
19 January 2011
'Court Chaos' Over Michaela Murder
Three men have appeared in a near-chaotic courtroom in Mauritius charged in connection with the murder of NI newlywed Michaela McAreavey - and a fourth is due to be in the dock shortly.