Plantier witness’ husband adjourned

THE husband of Marie Farrell, the woman who two weeks ago controversially withdrew her witness statement against former murder suspect Ian Bailey, yesterday appeared in court facing an assault charge.

Father-of-five Chris Farrell is facing the charge arising out of an incident, earlier this year, in a supermarket car park in Schull, Co Cork. The case against Mr Farrell, a builder from Ardmanagh, Schull, was adjourned for three months at the consent of the defence and prosecution.

His solicitor Ray Hennessy sought an adjournment to the January 26 sitting of Schull District Court.

Mr Farrell arrived in court yesterday accompanied by his wife, Marie Farrell.

Two weeks ago, Ms Farrell’s solicitor, Donal Daly, publicly declared that his client was withdrawing a statement to gardaí investigating the murder, nine years ago, of French woman Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The statement had sited journalist Ian Bailey at a location, in the early hours of December 23, 1996, close to where the body of the documentary filmmaker was found.

Mr Bailey, who has publicly described himself as a murder suspect, was twice arrested and released without charge.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has appointed assistant commissioner Ray McAndrew to investigate why Ms Farrell’s statement was withdrawn.

The Farrell family home, newly-built at Ard Chleire, Ardmanagh, is currently on the market with a sale price of just under €400,000.