On the right track

> Lawyer happy cops in Mauritius putting effort in > Ex-hotel worker acquitted decade ago charged again

- JOHN HAND and DAVID YOUNG

THE lawyer for the family of Michaela McAreavey believes the police are closer than ever to a breakthrough in solving the teacher's honeymoon murder.

A former hotel worker acquitted a decade ago of the killing has been charged with conspiracy to commit theft over her death in Mauritius.

Sandeep Mooneea had been taken in for questioning by officers investigating the case on Tuesday.

Police said he had been provisionally charged with “conspiracy" and was due to appear in court. Last month, another former hotel worker ex-security guard Dassen Narayanen - was charged with conspiracy to commit theft in relation to the McAreaveys' hotel room.

Dick Ng Sui Wa, the lawyer for Michaela's family, had previously feared it was becoming a cold case.

But following developments in the probe, he told the Irish Mirror: "I think they are getting there. It seems to me they are on the right track. The police are putting a lot of effort [in] finally after so many times Mr. McAreavey had asked for information - we are happy that it seems to be moving somewhere and in the right direction."