Key witness admits du Plantier statements were false

A woman who implicated English journalist Ian Bailey in the murder of Sophie Tuscan du Plantier has reportedly admitted that her statements to Gardaí were false.

Mr Bailey was arrested and questioned in connection with the murder of the French film producer in Schull, Co Cork, but was never charged with any offence.

Local resident Marie Farrell had given statements to Gardaí placing Bailey close to the scene of the murder on the night it took place.

She also repeated the claims in an unsuccessful libel trial Mr Bailey took against several newspapers two years ago.

However, reports this morning said Ms Farrell had now admitted to the Englishman's solicitor that here statements were incorrect.

The solicitor has reportedly written to the Minister for the Justice and the Garda Commissioner seeking an inquiry into the matter.

One of this morning's newspapers said Ms Farrell was claiming her false statements were made under pressure from the Gardaí, but the Gardaí were vehemently denying any wrongdoing.