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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

Michaela McAreavey video: Statement as PSNI investigation commences

A PSNI investigation has been launched into a 'vile and abhorrent' video showing a group of people mocking the murder of Michaela McAreavey.

Mrs McAreavey, daughter of former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, was murdered 10 days into her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.

JWB Consultancy issued a statement on Monday morning relating to clients John Bell, Andrew McDade and Richie Beattie.

It said: "We can confirm a PSNI investigation has commenced under the Communications Act. It is however unclear how the elements of such an offence would be made out.

Read more: Naomi Long: Michaela McAreavey video reminder of "deep cancer of sectarianism"

"We will not be confirming or denying who, if anyone, has been or will be interviewed. No inference should be drawn from this. It is obvious to point out that to begin confirming or denying the position in relation to various persons would simply lead to jigsaw identification by a process of elimination.

"As per the Supreme Court in Bloomberg v ZXC, a person subject to criminal investigation is entitled to privacy up until the point of charge. The media therefore should not speculate as to the identity of anyone interviewed.

"All those represented by JWB Consultancy reiterate their complete shame and regret for their involvement in the incident whereby some persons present at the private event were singing a vile and abhorrent chant about the deceased Michaela McAreavey that was broadcast without any intent to publish this disgusting chant, in a Facebook live video which was being incidentally streamed at the time.

"In any event, regardless of whether broadcast or not, the relevant behaviour is not acceptable in any section of our society, either in public or private.

"Given this matter is now subject to a police investigation, it will not be possible to offer any further specific comment lest it prejudice those enquiries.

"In equal terms, all those subject to investigation are entitled to due process and the presumption of criminal innocence. Similarly, anyone facing employment sanction is entitled to the statutory protections enshrined in employment law.

"This is becoming a public witch hunt, inclusive of repeated death threats and there is a growing social media mob who appear to have lost all grip on reality.

"It is time to now draw a line under this vile incident and allow any investigations to take their course."

Read more: James McClean labels people singing Michaela McAreavey song 'scum'

Read more: John McAreavey says "hate can hurt, but never win" after Michaela video

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