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THE TWO MEN accused of killing 27-year-old teacher Michaela McAreavey on her honeymoon have been found not guilty by a court in Mauritius.
The nine members of the jury acquitted both men of murder after just over two hours of deliberation. The decision was unanimous.
The jury said it had not been convinced by the prosecution of the guilt of Avinash Treebhoowon, 31, and Sandeep Moonea, 42, over the course of the eight-week trial.
The verdict was welcomed by an loud outburst of joy from relatives of the two accused men. Members of the McAreavey and Harte families who were present in the courtroom left as soon as the verdict was announced.
The two former hotel workers had been accused of killing Michaela McAreavey in her hotel room in January 2011 while she was on her honeymoon with her husband John.
The judge had instructed the jury that they had to deliberate for at least two hours before reaching a verdict.
The jury had also been told that to focus on the facts on the case rather than coming to a verdict on the actions of the police during the case.
Sandip Moonea (in striped shirt) and Avinash Treebhoowon (in pale pink shirt) being brought to court by officers during the trial. (Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire)
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RIP Johnny, You and The Horslips are the reason my band, Cruachan, exist! A legend, you’ll be sorely missed.
@Keith Fay: and Cruachán is a fantastic band..easy knowing The Horslips were a guide.
Irish guitar God! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
Dearg Doom. Possibly the most recognisable Irish intro ever.
Ahh Jaysus that’s so sad, we all know the intro to Dearg Doom but his brilliant playing in Furniture The Snakes Farewell to the Emerald Isle and many others were so brilliantly haunting. He’s up there with Rory and Gary and sadly missed. RIP Johnny
One of the greatest. A very sad day. RIP Johnny
Sad day for Irish music , grew up with Horslips in the 70s , had the privelige of seeing them live in 77 , RIP Johnny .
Gutted, such a talent and a great loss. RIP Johnny
Sad to hear this. Saw Johnny and the boys many times growing up in Limerick, always a top show down at the Savoy. In that era he’d come out on his own for a solo, blast away on the Gibson and end it with an intro to Dearg Doom as the band kicked in and the crowd erupted. Remember him asking for a cigarette too once from stage and a virtual shower of them were thrown up for him. Different times, Horslips paved a path for so many that came after. Rock on Nightgown Boy.
Gutted. Ireland’s finest guitarist by a mile and easily among the best in the world. I’ll be waiting was an absolute gem…
Brilliant guitarist, will be sadly missed. I was so lucky to see them live a couple of times in the late seventies. Irish rock was so amazing. We had rory, lizzy, horslips on top of the world .
I am blessed I was able to bring my sons to see them in the 02 reunion tour.
Johnny and the boys rocked that night.
I loved Johnny’s playing. He was an integral part of what, for me, was Ireland’s best ever band. Back in the day, I travelled to see them on my Kawasaki whenever they played within a hundred miles of home. So many brilliant sounds, and absolutely loved the reunion gigs in 2009 (I think). Sincere sympathy to his family and fellow band members. May he rest in peace.
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