Bailey’s lawyers urge state to stop aiding French murder prosecution

This week, in absentia, Ian Bailey stands trial Paris for the 1996 killing of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. A conviction for him could prejudice any investigation here, write Francesca Comyn and Hannah O’Brien

Ian Bailey, the British journalist who is to be tried in absentia this week by a court in Paris for the killing of Sophie Toscan du Plantier Pic: Courtpix

Lawyers for Ian Bailey have urged Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to withdraw any further state assistance to French authorities prosecuting the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case.

Bailey is due to be tried, in absentia, in Paris this week, accused of killing the French film producer who was found beaten to death in her nightclothes close to her holiday home in Schull on December 23, 1996.

In a detailed letter to the minister ...