Bailey ‘not entitled to certain Garda files’

THE High Court has ruled Ian Bailey is not entitled at this stage to certain Garda files and documents for his action over alleged wrongful arrest in connection with the murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996.

The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, said yesterday he was refusing the discovery application “at this stage” because the Garda investigation into the murder was not closed and other events had intervened, with the Supreme Court yet to decide Mr Bailey’s appeal against his extradition to France in connection with the death of Ms du Plantier.

It would be “most inappropriate” to direct a trawl through the Garda investigation when a trial may yet take place in another jurisdiction and Mr Bailey’s own position could be prejudiced, the judge said.