Former DPP ruled evidence was insufficient to pursue Bailey

A former Director of Public Prosecutions has told the High Court he decided there was insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution of Ian Bailey for the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

James Hamilton said he made that decision after reading the Garda investigation file and after taking advice from Robert Sheehan, the official in charge of that file, and two senior counsels to the effect that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the journalist.

He was giving evidence on the 35th day of the civil action by Mr Bailey against the Garda Commissioner and State over the conduct of the investigation into the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier, whose body was found near Toormore, Schull, on December 23, 1996. The defendants deny all of Mr Bailey’s claims, including wrongful arrest and conspiracy.