Honeymoon Murder: Trial Begins In Mauritius

The families of murdered honeymoon bride Michaela McAreavey told of their distress and asked for privacy as the trial of her alleged killers started in Mauritius.

Her widower - who is one of more than thirty witnesses - arrived at the hearing amid chaotic scenes.

John McAreavey was besieged by television crews and press photographers as he made his way into the island's tiny Supreme Court.

In a communique issued by the families' lawyer they stated: "This is a very distressing time for both our families and the days ahead will be very difficult for us.

"We hope the media will understand that we are anxious that nothing will be said or done that will compromise the due process during the trial."

Michaela McAreavey was murdered on her honeymoon at a luxury resort in the north of Mauritius just two weeks after she was married.

She was having afternoon tea with her husband when she returned to her room to fetch some biscuits.

At the time the police speculated that she had disturbed a burglary and the panicked intruders then strangled her.

Her new husband found her dead in the bath minutes later.

Michaela McAreavey was a well known figure in Northern Ireland.

The 27-year-old teacher was the daughter of the all-conquering Gaelic football manager, Mickey Harte.

The game is hugely popular in Ireland and her father's team's success meant she was a minor celebrity herself.

Her wedding was widely reported in Ireland's glossy magazines and newspapers; her brutal and sudden death therefore was all the more shocking.

The trial is one of the highest profile criminal cases in Mauritian history.

Two men who worked at the Legends hotel - which has since changed its name to Lux because of the negative publicity - have been accused of the murder.

Abinash Treebhoowoon, 30, and Sandeep Moneea, 42, both deny the homicide charge.

The trial is scheduled to last three weeks.