Michaela trial descends into near farce

The trial of the two hotel workers accused of murdering Michaela McAreavey descended into near farce as a lawyer dramatically withdrew from the case and signalled his intent to appear as a witness.

Ravi Rutnah, a barrister for defendant Avinash Treebhoowon, told the court he was stepping down after claiming that a senior police officer had attacked his professional integrity while giving evidence.

In a final flourish before leaving the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mr Rutnah declared to the jury that he would be back in “Arnold Schwarzenegger style”.