Paper attacked for using images of honeymoon murder scene

The publication of crime scene photographs of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey’s body by a Mauritian newspaper marks a new low, her family said.

The country’s Sunday Times, a paper with no connection to any British or Irish company, used images of the hotel room crime scene where Mrs McAreavey was killed.

Irish Taioseach Enda Kenny and Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have also condemned the publication.

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The newlywed was killed while on honeymoon with her husband John at the Legends Hotel in Mauritius in January last year.

A statement from members of the couple’s family said: “As the families struggle to come to terms with the result from the trial – this action by the newspaper is not only insensitive to their grief but marks another low in the treatment of John, the two families and the dignity of Michaela.”

The McAreavey and Harte families’ statement added: “The Mauritian authorities need now to match their words with actions and ensure that insensitive reporting by newspapers within their jurisdiction does not further exacerbate the violation of Michaela and the hurt to John.”

Around 12 black and white images of the crime scene were published yesterday in the newspaper.

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On the front page there is a photograph of Mrs McAreavey taken after her death – under the headline “Exclusive”.

Inside there are more images of the crime scene, including the hotel room and the bathroom.

There are also close-up pictures of Mrs McAreavey’s injuries.

Last week two men were acquitted of her murder after an eight-week trial.