Menu
27/06/2012
McAreavey Accused Cries In Court
One of the men accused of murdering a Co Tyrone newlywed has told a Mauritius court that he had no choice but to sign a confession.
Avinash Treebhoowoon broke down in tears in court today, repeating claims that he was tortured before signing the documents.
He said police threatened to lock up his parents, send his wife to Ireland as a replacement for murdered Michaela McAreavey, and torture him with heated handcuffs and electrocution.
At one point the judge adjourned court for 10 minutes to let the witness get a glass of water and stop crying.
Treebhoowoon, 31, has formerly said that police investigators on the Indian Ocean island tortured him with beatings on the face and heels, by suffocation and by putting his head in a bucket of water until he vomited blood.
Giving evidence in his own defence today, the former hotel worker said officers had told him they could do what they liked to his loved ones because they ran the government.
Treebhoowoon told the court police threatened to send his wife Reshma to Ireland to live with Mrs McAreavey's widower John, claiming an officer said: "that man's wife is dead, he needs a woman to live with".
He said he was thinking of his family when he signed a full confession statement three days after the murder.
Treebhoowoon and co-accused Sandip Moneea, who worked together in the Legends Hotel at the time of Mrs McAreacvey’s murder last January, deny murder.
The trial continues.
(NE)
Avinash Treebhoowoon broke down in tears in court today, repeating claims that he was tortured before signing the documents.
He said police threatened to lock up his parents, send his wife to Ireland as a replacement for murdered Michaela McAreavey, and torture him with heated handcuffs and electrocution.
At one point the judge adjourned court for 10 minutes to let the witness get a glass of water and stop crying.
Treebhoowoon, 31, has formerly said that police investigators on the Indian Ocean island tortured him with beatings on the face and heels, by suffocation and by putting his head in a bucket of water until he vomited blood.
Giving evidence in his own defence today, the former hotel worker said officers had told him they could do what they liked to his loved ones because they ran the government.
Treebhoowoon told the court police threatened to send his wife Reshma to Ireland to live with Mrs McAreavey's widower John, claiming an officer said: "that man's wife is dead, he needs a woman to live with".
He said he was thinking of his family when he signed a full confession statement three days after the murder.
Treebhoowoon and co-accused Sandip Moneea, who worked together in the Legends Hotel at the time of Mrs McAreacvey’s murder last January, deny murder.
The trial continues.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
