€50,000 reward for fresh information over Michaela McAreavey murder

By Hannah Spratt

John McAreavey has launched a new appeal to help bring justice for his murdered wife, Michaela.

A 50-thousand euro reward has been offered for information leading to a successful prosecution and conviction.

The widower has given a press conference in Mauritis in the past few minites appealing for people to come forward.

It's been six and a half years since the daughter of Tyrone GAA manager Micky Harte was killed on honeymoon there.

Speaking at a press conference in Mauritius, Mr McAreavey said:

“Over the past six and half years our resolve to win justice for Michaela remains undiminished. We believe we have given the Mauritian authorities every chance to deliver on their very public promise that justice would be done.

“However, until this visit the reality falls far short of that and as the years have passed it appears that the unofficial policy has become one of ‘out of sight - out of mind.’ But we have no intention of just slipping out of mind or sight. Michaela deserves justice and we intend to get it. We should not have needed to make this very painful return journey.

“Put quite bluntly, we have felt let down time and time again, and, indeed, feel betrayed by a process that has failed us and Michaela. Today we take some comfort from the assurances given by the Prime Minister yesterday that Michaela will get justice, but to achieve that we need the help of those who may know something, but have not yet come forward for whatever reason.

“Therefore, we are now making a direct appeal to the people of Mauritius, many of whom have shown us kindness and sympathy, and who were outraged at the atrocity at the time, to come forward with any piece of information, no matter how small, but which may be relevant in bringing the day of justice closer for the killers of Michaela.

“It is our sincere hope that the substantial reward which we are offering will send out a powerful message about our determination to keep on seeking justice.

“We make a heartfelt appeal for information which hopefully will lead to a retrial. Mauritians can contact the Police anonymously on a confidential hotline: Tel. 148 and all information will be treated with sensitivity and complete confidentiality.

“As time marches on this could be our final chance to obtain justice for Michaela, but we can’t do it alone. We need the help of the people of Mauritius. Please help us as our fight goes on.”