An ex-member of the Orange Order who admitted involvement in a video mocking murdered Michaela McAreavey has taken an industrial tribunal case against his former employer.
The hearing into Andrew McDade's claims of unfair dismissal against gravel supplier Norman Emerson Group began on Monday. It is listed to resume on Wednesday.
In a statement, Jamie Bryson, of JWB Consultancy, said he is “representing...Mr McDade”. A second linked case was also heard by an industrial tribunal on Monday.
Mrs McAreavey was strangled in her room at the Legends Hotel in Mauritius on January 10 2011.
The 27-year-old teacher, who had married husband John just 10 days earlier, was attacked after she returned to her room alone and disturbed a burglary in progress.
No-one has been convicted of murdering the daughter of Louth football manager and former Tyrone boss Mickey Harte.
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John McAreavey: Hate can hurt, but never win
Three men, Mr McDade, John Bell and Richard Beattie, were caught in a chant mocking the murdered Mrs McAreavey. It was filmed at Dundonald Orange Hall on the day of the Orange Order's centenary march in Belfast in May and later posted on social by Mr McDade.
In statement issued by Mr Bryson's JWB Consultancy in early June last year. the men, who all resigned from the Orange Order, said they had "complete shame and regret for their involvement in the incident”.
Responding to the incident, John McAreavey tweeted: "Michaela was a vessel of love, courage and dignity. Hate can hurt, but never win.”
At the time the video was made public, the Craigavon-based Norman Emerson Group said it was aware of “highly offensive social media content” made by one its employees.
It said a “full and thorough internal investigation” was under way.
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- Six could face charges over video mocking murder of Michaela McAreavey
- Hotel worker cleared of Michaela McAreavey murder denies any involvement
- John McAreavey vows to continue fight for justice over murdered Michaela
