Bailey maintains innocence in Du Plantier murder

Ian Bailey has reportedly reiterated his denial of any involvement in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork almost 12 years ago.

Mme du Plantier's body was exhumed from a cemetery in France yesterday as part of a new investigation into her death.

Investigators hope that new DNA and forensic tests may uncover a link to her killer.

Mr Bailey, an English journalist who lives in west Cork, was arrested twice in connection with her death, but was released without charge on both occasions.

He has reportedly sent a statement to the Irish Examiner saying Mdme du Plantier's family is being misled by claims that he was involved in her murder.

The 38-year-old film-maker was beaten to death in Schull in December 1996.