Le Matinal: Michaela trial: Mauritius Telecom confirms phone call

Michaela trial: Mauritius Telecom confirms phone call
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La Rédaction on Wednesday 4th of July 2012 - 14:55:00
 
The Mauritius Telecom worker was the final defence witness to testify in the
trial of Sandip Moneea, 42, and his 32-year-old co-accused Avinash Treebhoowoon.
Both of them deny murdering the 27-year-old Ballygawley school teacher during
her honeymoon on the island with husband John last January.
Dhanraj Lillah, an IT worker, said a call lasting just over four minutes was
made on a mobile owned by Moneea just after 2.45pm - the time the prosecution
claim Ms McAreavey died.
The defence say it proves he was not involved - however the prosecution contest
that the accused was phoning to ask his sister for advice on what he had just
done.
Mr Lillah, during a brief appearance in the witness box, outlined timing details
of the call.
He said: "It lasted four minutes, 18 seconds."
He also said the time was synchronised with GPS satellite, adding: "It's
accurate time."
With the final witnessed now called by Moneea's lawyer, it is expected that the
defence case at the Supreme Court will close later on Wednesday.
An adjournment is then expected before prosecution and defence closing
statements.
During the last seven weeks around 50 witnesses have given testimony in the
trial, which is expected to end next week.
Moneea and Treebhoowoon are both former staff members at the Legends Hotel where
Mrs McAreavey was found dead in room 1025 last year.
Her widower and other family members were present as the last witness was
called.
_Source: UTV_