Detectives investigating the murder of honeymooner Michaela McAreavey have arrested a former security guard at the hotel where she was killed.
Lawyer Vikash Teeluckdharry said his client Dassen Narayen was questioned about allegations of theft at the Legends Hotel around the time of the Co Tyrone teacher’s death in Mauritius in 2011. He added the suspect denied any wrongdoing.
Following Mrs McAreavey’s killing, Narayen was initially charged with conspiracy to murder.
But that was reduced to a larceny charge which was eventually struck out in 2013.
Mr Teeluckdharry said Narayen was quizzed about the same 2011 larceny allegations on Tuesday.
He told reporters: “He was questioned under warning. He was detained. He was arrested.”
The lawyer said Narayen was taken to hospital during his detention and was being treated for longstanding health issues in a hospital in the capital Port Louis on Tuesday night. Mr Teeluckdharry claimed police were attempting to suggest there had been a major development in the murder case.
Insisting his client is innocent, he said: “This is all nonsense. There is nothing new.
“He’s denied this from day one and it’s the same situation.”
Mrs McAreavey was aged 27 when she was strangled in her room at the hotel on January 10, 2011.
The daughter of former Tyrone manager Mickey Harte had married John McAreavey 10 days earlier.
Michaela had returned to her room alone for some biscuits when was attacked having disturbed a burglary.
No one has been convicted of her murder.
Two former workers at the luxury resort – Sandip Moneea and Avinash Treebhoowoon – were acquitted of murder after a high-profile trial on the holiday island in summer 2012.
Police in Mauritius have been approached for comment.
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