Newspapers defend articles in Bailey libel case

The seven newspapers accused of libelling Ian Bailey never claimed he was the murderer of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, it was argued in court today as the nine-day trial approached its end.

Paul Gallagher, senior counsel for the defence, said the plaintiff, Mr Bailey, of the Prairie, Schull, West Cork, alleged that the words suggested he was guilty of the murder of Ms du Plantier and that he was a man of such a violent nature he was capable of committing that murder.