Ian Bailey case adjourned due to unavailability of juror

Long-running case expected to finally conclude in early April

Ian Bailey and his partner Jules Thomas pictured leaving the Four Courts last month during his High Court action for damages. File Photograph: Courts Collins
Ian Bailey and his partner Jules Thomas pictured leaving the Four Courts last month during his High Court action for damages. File Photograph: Courts Collins

Ian Bailey’s civil action for damages against the Garda Commissioner and the State has been adjourned until later this week due to the unavailability of a juror.

The adjournment comes as the State is calling its final witnesses in the long-running case, which opened last November and was due to enter its 57th day on Wednesday.

The jury have been asked to return to court tomorrow when it is hoped the juror will be available. In their absence, Mr Justice John Hedigan is dealing with legal issues.

There will be no hearings of the case next week due to the unavailability of several jurors but it will resume on March 24th and is expected to finally conclude in early April.

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In his action, Mr Bailey has made a series of allegations over the conduct of the Garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier whose body was found near Toormore, Schull, on the morning of December 23rd 1996.

The defendants deny all of his claims, including wrongful arrest and conspiracy.

Mary Carolan

Mary Carolan

Mary Carolan is the Legal Affairs Correspondent of the Irish Times