A hotel worker cleared of murdering Michaela McAreavey will begin his bid to win €1m in compensation next month.

Avinash Treebhoowoon is claiming damages for "trauma, humiliation and stress" as a result of his alleged treatment by police following McAreavey's murder in Mauritius.

Mr Treehbhoowoon was one of two men acquitted in the high-profile murder case. He spent 18 months in prison before being found not guilty in Mauritius's Criminal Court.

Sandip Moneea was acquitted alongside Mr Treehbhoowoon in 2012. 

Avinash Treebhoowoon, 30, (right) and Sandip Moneea, 42, at the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mauritius, on day eleven of the trial. | Image: Paul Faith PA Archive/PA Images

"More of his lies"

The Sunday Independent reports that Michaela McAreavey's widow, John McAreavey criticised his claim on Twitter, saying he should be more concerned about defending a potential civil suit rather than more of his lies". The tweet appears to have since been deleted.

Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Mr Treehbhoowoon's lawyer said his client felt "very sorry for whatever has happened" but "has nothing to do with the murder".

He claimed his arrest was arbitrary, his detention illegal and also alleges he was tortured.

Previously, Mr Treehbhoowoon claimed his wife suffered a miscarriage as a result of his arrest, and that his family were "humiliated" by what happened to him.

The first stage of the case will begin within the coming weeks when the Mauritian government files its defence.