Bailey asks for Garda ‘malice’ documents

Lawyers for Ian Bailey have gone to the High Court in a bid to make the gardaí and State hand over documents which, they contend, support claims of malice against Mr Bailey in the Garda probe into the murder of French film-maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Mr Bailey’s solicitor Frank Buttimer said materials disclosed by the State for Mr Bailey’s successful appeal against extradition suggested at least one senior garda may have tried to put pressure on the DPP to prosecute Mr Bailey.

The materials also referred to gardaí “engendering hysteria” in the local community due to the portrayal of Mr Bailey, via leaks to the media and otherwise, “as a ruthless and unrestrained killer”, Mr Buttimer said in an affidavit.