The Garda Commissioner and the State are seeking a range of documents from Ian Bailey for their defence of his legal action seeking damages over the handling of the investigation into the murder of French film-maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996.
Mr Bailey’s partner Jules Thomas, who has brought a separate case for damages arising from the manner of her arrest in the course of the investigation, has also been asked to provide further details of her claim, the High Court heard yesterday.
Mr Justice John Hedigan, having been told the sides were trying to reach agreement concerning the applications for discovery and for particulars, agreed to adjourn both applications to February 17th.
Paul Anthony McDermott, for the defendants, and Ronan Munro, for Mr Bailey and Ms Thomas, said they would engage in the interim with a view to “narrowing the issues” between them in both applications.
Mr Justice Hedigan is managing both cases in advance of their trial. Trial dates have yet to be fixed, but Mr Bailey previously said he was anxious to have a hearing in the Easter law term (April 28th to June 5th).
