Praying for the right verdict

THE verdict in the trial of two men accused of murdering Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius 18 months ago is expected on Thursday.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jul 2012, 09:00 BST

Tullylish footballer John McAreavey has spent the last eight weeks on the island where he and his wife honeymooned in January 2011, awaiting the end of a lengthy trial seeking justice for his beloved.

The local accountant has been accompanied throughout the traumatic ordeal by his father Brendan, sister Claire and brother-in-law Mark Harte. Yesterday (Monday) the defence lawyer made his closing statement, wrapping up 32 days of evidence ahead of the judge’s summing up on Thursday morning.

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Speaking last Friday a prosecution lawyer said the defence had introduced “unseemly and grotesque” theories in an attempt to point the finger of blame at devastated widower John.

He said that, while they were short-lived and quickly abandoned, they nevertheless added a source of confusion to the jurors and were an insult to Mr McAreavey, his family and the memory of his late wife.