Date for damages claim opposition

The State’s bid to prevent Jules Thomas, partner of Ian Bailey, proceeding with her action for damages relating to her alleged wrongful arrest by gardaí investigating the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier will be heard in the High Court in the autumn.

Mr Justice John Hedigan said yesterday the application by the State can go ahead on October 6.

The judge said he will decide on that day-long hearing on the legal issue of whether the case by Ms Thomas was statute barred.