Du Plantier family drops civil action against Bailey

The family of murdered Frenchwoman Sophie Toscan du Plantier has reportedly dropped a civil action against the man who was arrested twice in connection with the crime.

Ian Bailey was never charged with the 1996 murder and has always maintained his innocence.

Reports this morning said the family had decided not to proceed with the action against English journalist Bailey.

Ms du Plantier was murdered near her holiday home in Schull, Co Cork, in December 1996.

Last October, a shopkeeper who provided evidence placing Mr Bailey close to the scene of the crime withdrew her statements, saying she had been intimidated into making them by certain gardaí.