A former suspect in the Michaela McAreavey murder says he is willing to meet with her family to answer any questions they have for him.
Ex-hotel worker Sandip Moneea, who was found guilty of the teacher’s murder in 2012 but later had his conviction quashed, has vowed to help them in their pursuit of justice.
Mr Moneea, 52, had a theft charge against him in connection with the case struck out in June and is now set to sue authorities in Mauritius.
Nobody has been convicted of the murder of Michaela, 27 – the daughter of Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte – who was strangled at Legends Hotel on her honeymoon in January 2011.
Former attorney general Rama Valayden, who represents Mr Moneea, said his client would like to meet with Michaela’s family.
He told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “The whole family would like to do so. They have been fasting and praying for the truth.
“Sandip will not sleep until the true killers are found.
“They are fasting rigorously and begging Lord Jesus to show the light. I firmly believe in the innocence of Mr Sandip Mooneea.”
Mr Valayden said Mr Moonea has not been able to return to a normal life since first being arrested.
He added: “Poor chap has been suffering like a mad dog. In a small island the eyes of neighbours are more dangerous than any weapon of mass destruction.
“Sandip married one week before but he did not have the means to pay for a honeymoon. He ended up having free disgusting meals in prison.”
He claimed from “day one the police was under political pressure to treat the inquiry with a sense of urgency at the expense of
thorough scientific examination”.
Mr Valayden also claimed the crime scene was contaminated “even before the doctor of the hotel was called in by management”.
Two suitcases packed and left at the door of the hotel room pose a riddle which has not been solved.
He added: “Why were the two packed suitcases near the door? Who packed the two suitcases?”
He also questioned the level of water in the bathtub, adding: “Why was the room in such a mess when according to workers it was left in a spotless condition?” And he said he believes Michaela’s killer or killers may not have been staff working at the hotel complex.
Dismissing the theory of a robbery gone wrong, he said: “No, not at all.
“The best time to steal from the rooms of Tourists in Mauritius is when they leave their rooms for dinner.”
Mr Valayden repeated his calls for a cash reward and immunity for anyone who comes forward with information. He added: “A hefty reward should be given to any person giving reliable information leading to the arrest of the accused parties.
“The DPP could contemplate amnesty to any person who has helped commit the murder and who comes forward to speak the truth.”
The legal expert said he believes his client had no role in the murder and in fact was on the phone to a family member at the time of her death.
He said: “According to his telephone billing he was on the phone with his elderly sister working for information about the welfare of his niece as it was her first day of primary school.”
Earlier this week, a lawyer for the accused Dassen Narayanen, 37, hit out at the prosecution for delays after his trial was again adjourned.
The former resort security guard was provisionally charged in April with conspiracy to commit larceny in relation to the newlyweds’ hotel room. His barrister Vikash Teeluckdharry said a decision on the charge had been adjourned to September 15.
He added: “Prosecution is making an abuse of the process.
“This case is a flagrant example to what extent police investigation is flawed in comparison to the modern safeguards available in Britain.”
In April, a legal representative for Michaela’s family said they believed police were closer than ever to a breakthrough in solving the case.
Lawyer Dick Ng Sui Wa said at the time: “I think they are getting there. It seems they are on the right track.
However, he admitted that the family are struggling with the apparent lack of progress.
Mr Ng Sui Wa added: “The family is having more and more doubts of the possibility if finding justice for Michaela.”
READ NEXT:
Five-star Irish hotel introduces bargain deal for two nights including afternoon tea for under €300
Gardai show locations of checkpoints and speed vans in warning to motorists
Gardai believe man was lured to house before he was brutally beaten with hatchet
Irish residents say Donald Trump is always welcome as former US President set for visit
Businesswoman and RTE host Aine Kerr says Ireland needs to be in 'state of readiness' for recession
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
