John McAreavey 'informed' of Mauritius developments as theft accused brands charge 'nonsense'

John McAreavey is being kept informed of developments in the investigation into his wife's murder.

Police in Mauritius have said that a former hotel security guard arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Michaela McAreavey has been remanded in custody on a larceny charge.

A court document from the district court in Riviere du Rempart in Mauritius shows that the charge against Dassen Narayanen specifically relates to conspiracy to steal from the room of the McAreaveys at Legends Hotel.

Narayanen's lawyer branded the charge as "nonsense" saying his client denies any wrong doing.

Newlywed Balleygawley teacher Michaela McAreavey, 27, was found strangled to death in the bath of her hotel room on 10 January 2011.

The daughter of Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte had been holidaying with husband John McAreavey, whom she had married just days earlier.

The investigation into her murder has continued, but no one has been convicted.

In a statement, Michaela's widower John said: "I'm being kept informed of developments with my legal team in Mauritius and do not want to make any further comment at this stage."

Dassen Narayanen, a former guard at the then Legends Hotel – which has since rebranded as the LUX Grand Gaube Hotel - appeared before a judge on Wednesday.A lawyer for Narayanen has described the case against his client as "nonsense" and said he denies any wrongdoing.

A police spokesman said: “On Tuesday March 29 2022, police, upon the advice of the director of public prosecutions, arrested Mr Dassen Narayanen on the charge of ‘conspiracy to commit an unlawful act, to wit, larceny’.

“He was brought before the district magistrate of Piton Court today Wednesday March 30 2022 and has been remanded to police cell until April 6 2022.

“Investigation in progress.”