French arrive to probe Bailey case witnesses

THREE French investigators returned to Ireland this week to interview people in connection with the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Their findings will be submitted to the French Judge Patrick Gachon, who will decide if charges are to be brought before a court in France – a situation that could result in a request to extradite Ian Bailey, or have a case heard in his absence.

The French investigators are expected to speak to 15 people concerned with the case in West Cork and Dublin, and a spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Equality confirmed that the gardai are now happy to co-operate with the investigation, by saying: ‘Ireland is ‘fully committed to meeting its international obligations in relation to affording mutual legal assistance.’

At the beginning of this month, Ian Bailey signalled his intention to appeal his unsuccessful civil action against the Gardai and the State. 

Mr Bailey – who lives at the Prairie, Schull – sued over claims that the gardai attempted to frame him for the murder of the French film producer. The case was dismissed in March.