Husband devastated by loss of his ‘rock’

THE distraught husband of Michaela Harte last night spoke of how “words had no meaning” following the brutal murder of wife of just 10 days.

John McAreavey, 30, said he had been left totally devastated by the loss of his best friend and his “rock”.

“I can’t describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life — she is my life,” he said.

The accountant found his bride strangled in their room in the luxury Legends Hotel in Mauritius on Monday. The couple had been married only 10 days.

Three hotel workers appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with the murder of the 27-year-old teacher, who was the daughter of Mickey Harte, the manager of Ireland’s all-conquering Tyrone Gaelic football team.

Mr McAreavey, who had been on his own on the island until relatives arrived yesterday, said he was struggling to take in the loss of his wife. “My beautiful wife, my best friend, my rock Michaela, has been taken from me and I still can’t take it in. Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her.”

The Co Down Gaelic footballer said he shared his pain with Michaela’s parents, Mickey and Marian, and her three brothers.

“I am heartbroken and like Mickey, Marian, Michaela’s brothers and my family, I am totally devastated.” He added: “I appreciate all the prayers and messages of support. I pray that God gives us the strength and faith that Michaela has to cope with our horrific loss. She is a gift from God and I now have an angel. Our families now need the time, privacy and space to make the necessary arrangements to take Michaela home.”

The three hotel employees were remanded in custody in connection with the killing which has sent shock waves through Ireland. Two faced murder charges and one conspiracy to murder.

Mauritian police said the two men charged with the murder were Avinash Treebhoowoon, 29, a room attendant from Plaine des Roches, and Sandip Moneea, 41, a floor supervisor from Petit Raffray. Room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, from Ramnarain Cottage, faces the conspiracy charge.

It is understood skin tissue found under the fingernails of Michaela could prove crucial to the police case against the men.

DNA tests on forensic evidence recovered from the body of the Irish language teacher are due to be completed by the end of the week.

The newlywed fought for her life against her attacker in her room, according to the police.

Just before lunch on Monday, Mr McAreavey found his bride’s body in the bath with the water running.

It is understood the young honeymooner from near Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, interrupted burglars who had gained access to the room using an electronic key card.