GSOC to proceed with Bailey probe

The Garda Ombudsman has said it will proceed with its investigation into Garda treatment of Ian Bailey, even though a new judicial inquiry has been tasked with a similar job.

The watchdog made the statement after the Commission of Investigation into the Garda tapes crisis, launched this week by the Government, was surprisingly ordered to examine the broader Garda investigation of Mr Bailey in relation to the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in December 1996.

The commission, under Supreme Court judge Nial Fennelly, has been requested to examine recordings of phone calls at Bandon Garda Station relating to the Bailey case. But his probe is also directed to establish if “any other acts or events” in the course of the Garda investigation “disclose any evidence of unlawful or improper conduct” by gardaí.