Bailey to appeal failed libel actions

Journalist Ian Bailey is to appeal the outcome of his failed libel actions against six Irish and Britsh newspapers, it emerged tonight.

Manchester-born Bailey took action against eight newspapers for their coverage of the brutal murder of French film-maker Sophie du Plantier in Co Cork.

He was the prime suspect for her murder, but the bid to clear his name proved costly and humiliating for the journalist.

The Telegraph, the Irish Star, the Sunday Independent, the Independent on Sunday, the Times and the Sunday Times were last month cleared of libel following a ten-day hearing in Cork Circuit Court in December.

Bailey lodged an appeal against the judgement today. If the action proceeds, the entire hearing will have to be re-heard by the High Court in circuit at Cork.

Solicitors representing the newspapers said tonight it was unlikely the case would reach the courts before the end of the year, with some speculating it could be as late as the end of 2005.

Earlier this month Judge Patrick Moran awarded the six newspapers three fifths of their total costs, estimated at between €200,000 and €250,0000.

Bailey, 46, was awarded half the costs for each of his successful actions against the Irish Mirror and the Irish Sun.

Both tabloids were ordered to pay €4,000 for articles regarding the relationship between Bailey and his ex-wife Sarah Limbrick, also a journalist.

Although Bailey does not have to lodge any money to make an appeal it is believed he is unable to pay his costs from the case, prompting criticism that the system is seriously flawed.

His partner Jules Thomas reportedly said tonight that an appeal was inevitable. She said the couple were very disappointed by last month’s ruling and had not received justice.

Mr Bailey has been forced to move away from the Schull farmhouse he shared with Ms Thomas after being subjected to a negative backlash following the hearing.

Ms du Plantier, 38, was found bludgeoned to death near her farmhouse in Schull two days before Christmas 1996.

Bailey reported the story for several Irish and French publications. Just weeks after the murder he was arrested and questioned twice by gardaí, but released without charge.

The DPP has requested a full transcript of the ten-day case and the file is being re-examined by detectives.