Journalist sues for libel in connection with murder case

A journalist questioned over the murder of a French film-maker seven years ago was today beginning libel action against seven Irish and British newspapers.

Ian Bailey, from west Cork, admitted he was arrested in connection with the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, 39, but claims he was defamed by the papers in their coverage of the incident.

It is just over two weeks to the anniversary of the discovery of Ms Du Plantier’s body. She was found beaten to death near her holiday home in Schull, west Cork, on December 23, 1996.

Mr Bailey, 47, initially reported the murder to gardaí and later acknowledged he was arrested by gardaí.

He is suing the Irish Mirror, Independent Newspapers, Independent Newspapers UK, The Times, The Independent Star Ltd, Newsgroup Newspapers and the Telegraph Ltd each for the maximum circuit court damages limit of €38,000.

More than 60 witnesses are expected to give evidence during the case at Cork Circuit Court, including senior gardaí who took part in the investigation and reporters who covered the case.

Ms Du Plantier was the wife of late film producer Daniel du Plantier.

No one has been charged with her murder.