Suspect in Michaela Harte’s murder may avoid charges

Mauritian police officers investigating the murder of honeymooning Tyrone teacher Michaela Harte are considering dropping or altering the charges against one of the five men thought to have had a hand in her tragic death.

Seenarain Mungoo, 39, a former security guard, is one of the Legend's Hotel employees who have been charged. However, Detective Inspector Ranjit Jokhoo announced that the magistrate is considering his case. He was speaking outside a bail hearing on Tuesday.

He said, "In future we will decide whether to charge him with conspiracy to commit murder, another offense or to let him go."

Mungoo's lawyer told the court that he believed the police did not have a case against his client. The court will announce their decision next Monday.

On January 19 Mungoo was arrested on conspiracy to commit murder. He was identified by his colleague Dassen Narainen, 26. Both men were initially suspected of helping two cleaners enter Harte's hotel room by giving them a key.

The police have now admitted that the case against Mungoo relies almost entirely on the testimony of Narainen. Later, Narainen withdrew his testimony admitting that he has a grudge against Mungoo. Despite this fact Mungoo remains in custody.

Michaela Harte was found, murdered, in the bath of her hotel room by her husband John McAreavey. She was on honeymoon at the resort and had been married just 12 days.