Accused breaks down in witness box

A man accused of murdering honeymooner Michaela McAreavey broke down in court after claiming he was tortured by police during interrogation.

Avinash Treebhoowon sobbed and wiped tears away as he spoke of being separated from his wife and family on his arrest in the wake of the Tyrone teacher’s death in a Mauritius hotel.

Giving evidence in his own defence at the Supreme Court in Port Louis, he claimed he shouted out for his mother as officers beat him while he lay naked and handcuffed on a table.