The judge in the trial of the two men accused of murdering Michaela Harte has thanked the jurors for the patience, after proceedings were once again delayed on Friday.

The Irish Independent reports that no evidence was heard on the 27th day of the trial, which was originally expected to last just over a week at the Supreme Court in Port Louis, Mauritus.

Former employees of the Legends resort Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Moneea deny murdering honeymooner Michaela Harte in January 2011. The only daughter of Tyrone GAA boss Mickey Harte,  the body of the 27-year-old teacher was discovered in the bathtub of her honeymoon suite by her husband John McAreavey.

On Friday, Treebhoowoon was due to take to the witness stand for his fourth day of testimony.  However instead Mr Justice Prithviraj Fecknah and lawyers attempted to resolve an outstanding legal issue.

Just before 3pm the judge informed the jurors that the matter had been dealt with and proceedings would continue on Monday.

"Members of the jury I have to inform you that since this morning we have not called you in court because we had to deal with a matter of law," he said.

"That matter has now been sorted out and we will resume on Monday morning.

"I thank you very much for your patience."

The trial is yet to hear the defence case for Moneea, which will enter it’s sixth week on Monday.

The prosecution claims the two men attacked the young woman after she interrupted them stealing. Treebhoowoon and Moneea maintain they were coerced into confessing.

The victim’s widow John McAreavey, his father Brendan, sister Claire and brother in law Mark Harte are all attending the trial in Mauritius.