Widower pays emotional tribute to murdered wife

John McAreavey, husband of Michaela McAreavey, arrives at the supreme court in Port Louis, Mauritius, to give evidence on day twelve of the trial Credit: Paul Faith/PA Wire

John McAreavey broke down in tears in court in Mauritius today as he described the moment he found his new bride Michaela strangled in their hotel room.

He was giving evidence at the trial of two hotel workers accused of murdering the 27-year-old teacher. Mr McAreavey said he fell to his knees and prayed after trying to revive her.

His sister Claire, father Brendan and brother-in-law Mark Harte family sat in the front row of the public gallery to hear his testimony.

Mr McAreavey also described how he was treated after he contacted police. He described being handcuffed and led away by four officers in a jeep. The police then stopped to pick up some food while he was in the car.

He said he was taken to a derelict looking building and left by himself for "four or five hours." Before being released one of the of the police officers asked him:

Mr McAreavey is a key witness for the prosecution in the murder trial of his wife.

Michaela McAreavey was found dead in their room at the luxury Legends Hotel last January, just two weeks after their wedding in Northern Ireland.

The prosecution claim hotel employees Sandip Moneea and Avinash Treebhoowoon murdered the young bride after she returned to the room and caught them stealing. They both deny the charges.

Avinash Treebhoowon arrives at the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mauritius Credit: Press Association

Mr McAreavey passed around photographs of their wedding day and paid an emotional tribute to his wife: