Closing arguments in Ian Bailey case to start on Friday

Lawyers for Ian Bailey are expected to begin their closing arguments on Friday in his long running civil action for damages over the conduct of the Garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Evidence in the High Court case concluded earlier this month and Mr Justice John Hedigan has been dealing this week with legal issues in the absence of the jury.

The jury were sent away on Tuesday and are being asked to return to court on Friday when they are due to hear closing arguments on behalf of Mr Bailey, to be followed by closing arguments for the Garda Commissioner and State.

The judge will then charge the jury on legal issues before sending them out to consider their verdict.

The trial began on November 4th and evidence was heard from some 90 witnesses over 59 days.

The defendants have denied all of Mr Bailey’s claims, including of wrongful arrest and conspiracy to manufacture evidence.

The body of Ms du Plantier, a French film maker, was found near her holiday home at Toomore, Schull, on the morning of December 23rd, 1996.