An English journalist who was twice arrested by gardaí for questioning about the murder of Frenchwoman Sophie Toscan du Plantier is to go to the High Court next month to seek to have a civil action against him by Ms Toscan du Plantier's family dismissed. Barry Roche, Southern Correspondent, reports.
Mr Ian Bailey (46), The Prairie,Liscaha, Schull, Co Cork, was served with a summons by lawyers acting for Ms Toscan du Plantier's parents, Mr Georges and Mrs Marguerite Bouniol, and her son, Mr Pierre Louis Baudey, in August 2003.
The Bouniols and Mr Baudey are seeking damages from Mr Bailey for the loss and emotional distress caused by the death of Ms Toscan du Plantier (38), whose badly-beaten body was found near the entrance to her holiday property at Toormore, Schull, on December 23rd, 1996.
Mr Bailey was arrested by gardaí on February 10th, 1997, and on January 27th, 1998, for questioning about the killing but he has always strongly denied any involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier's death.
No one has ever been charged with Ms Toscan du Plantier's murder.
The Irish Times has learned that Mr Bailey will make an application to the High Court on December 6th, seeking to have the claim being pursued by the Bouniols and Mr Baudey dismissed on the grounds that they have failed to furnish him with certain information.