Senior garda to investigate du Plantier witness statements

The Gardaí have appointed a senior officer to investigate claims that a key witness in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case was pressured into making false statements.

Local woman Marie Farrell made statements to the Gardaí implicating English journalist Ian Bailey in the murder of the French film producer in Schull, Co Cork, nine years ago.

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

However, according to Mr Bailey's solicitor, Ms Farrell has now admitted that the statements were incorrect and were made under pressure from the Gardaí.

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

The Gardaí responded today by appointing Assistant Commissioner Ray McAndrew to investigate the complaints.