Ian Bailey case: Former British soldier claims he was 'forced out of Ireland' by Gardaí

A former British soldier has told the High Court he was forced out of this country and his life was ruined by the garda investigation into Sophie Toscan du Plantier's murder.

Martin Graham claims Gardai gave him cannabis to 'soften up' the journalist Ian Bailey, who was at one time, a suspect for the 1996 killing of the French film producer in West Cork.

He alleges members of the force later turned on him, forcing him to leave Ireland and the mother of his child who he has not seen in 18 years.

The 53 year old is giving evidence in Ian Bailey's damages action against the State and Garda Commissioner for alleged wrongful arrest and conspiracy to concoct evidence.