Ian Bailey's former partner Jules Thomas takes legal action against Netflix

Jules Thomas (left) and Ian Bailey (right) at their country market stall in Schull, West Cork, in 2019. Ms Thomas and Mr Bailey separated in 2021 after almost three decades together. File picture: Dan Linehan

A case brought by the former partner of Ian Bailey against Netflix came before the deputy master of the High Court on Friday, as part of a case relating to a documentary on the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Jules Thomas is suing Netflix and production company Lightbox Media over the 2021 documentary Sophie: A Murder in West Cork, alleging that filming for the production took place at her home without her permission.

Both parties, represented by Matheson, are fully defending the claims in the case which is still at the initial discovery stages.

In a brief hearing before deputy master of the High Court John Glennon, a further motion of discovery from the plaintiff was dealt with, with costs awarded to her. This is the second time costs have been awarded as part of motions for discovery in this case.

It is understood that Ms Thomas, who is represented by Greg Ryan Solicitors, alleges that she never gave permission for filming to take place in her home as part of the documentary, while also alleging that it contains falsehoods and made her a social pariah in the community she lives in West Cork.

Ms Toscan du Plantier, a 39-year-old French film producer, was found battered to death outside her isolated holiday home in Toormore, near Schull, on December 23, 1996. Nobody has ever been charged in Ireland with the murder.

Ian Bailey was tried and convicted in absentia at a French court of her murder in 2019. Mr Bailey has always denied any involvement in the murder. He was arrested twice as part of the murder investigation in Ireland but was never charged.

Ms Thomas and Mr Bailey separated in 2021 after almost three decades together.

He died of a suspected heart attack in January 2024. However, prior to his death, it’s understood that he signed a declaration supporting Ms Thomas’ case against Netflix and the production company of the documentary.

No date has yet been set for a full hearing in this case.