Probe into Garda treatment of Bailey desirable: Shatter

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said it was “clearly desirable” that the Garda Ombudsman was investigating the Garda treatment of Ian Bailey in the controversial Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder probe.

The decision by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to launch an investigation, revealed by the Irish Examiner last month, followed a complaint of alleged Garda misconduct by Mr Bailey, lodged last December.

It is understood Mr Bailey may meet with GSOC investigators next week, in what is expected to be a lengthy and highly sensitive investigation.

Mr Shatter said he was “consulting” with the Attorney General in relation to the sudden and late disclosure of documents from the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office, which contained dramatic criticism of the garda investigation.

This included views that the investigation was “prejudiced” against Mr Bailey and allegations that a senior garda or gardaí tried to get the state solicitor for West Cork to bring political pressure to bear on the DPP to prosecute Mr Bailey.

Mr Shatter’s comments followed Thursday’s judgment of the Supreme Court, which overturned a High Court decision to extradite Mr Bailey to France for investigation.

Mr Shatter said that in a number of the judgments by the five-judge court, reference was made to the documentation from the DPP.

He said he understood that the issues raised in the documentation subsequently formed the basis of a complaint made on behalf of Mr Bailey to GSOC.

He said he had been advised that the Ombudsman Commission had admitted the complaint and had initiated an investigation.

“I believe that it is clearly desirable that these matters be investigated in the public interest and that the Ombudsman Commission is the appropriate body to do so,” said Mr Shatter.

As he shopped in Cork city centre yesterday, Mr Bailey said people had congratulated him on his landmark court victory.

Before returning to West Cork with his partner. Jules Thomas, Mr Bailey said he was overwhelmed by the response from the public.

“A lot of people came up to us, congratulating us and expressing relief, having seen the evidence from my perspective. This has been an awful burden for anybody to have to bear but we were lucky enough that we were strong enough.”