Bailey claims senior gardaí blocking framing inquiry

Ian Bailey has written to Justice Minister Alan Shatter claiming senior gardaí are blocking an inquiry into allegations officers tried to frame him for the 1996 Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder.

Mr Bailey’s solicitor, Frank Buttimer, confirmed the correspondence was sent last week and alleges Garda headquarters is attempting to block an ombudsman investigation into his client’s complaint.

The letter, which was revealed by a weekend newspaper, accuses Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan of “operating a calculated policy of obfuscation and delay as a deliberate blocking tactic”.

In the correspondence, Mr Bailey states the ombudsman now believes the investigation into his complaint has “stalled”.

Specifically, it is claimed “reports and records” have been withheld, “ostensibly on the grounds of legal advice” — resulting in the English former journalist’s request that Mr Shatter’s office “uses its powers to require the commissioner to co-operate”.

The ombudsman investigation began in March after the Director of Public Prosecutions found no evidence to suggest Ian Bailey was involved in the murder of Ms du Plantier at her West Cork holiday home in Dec 1996.

The DPP report said Mr Bailey acted in a way that was “indicative of innocence”. It also highlighted corruption claims against some officers involved in the original investigation, including offering a witness drugs for information.

A Garda spokesperson said the force is co-operating fully with the ombudsman’s inquiries, but stressed it is not official policy to comment on ongoing inquiries.

A spokesperson for Mr Shatter said: “The Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission is independent in its investigation of complaints. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for the minister to comment on the matter.”

A spokesperson for the ombudsman said it is policy to keep all complainants updated on the result of any concerns they have raised.