The inquest into the death of Ms Sophie Toscan du Plantier, murdered in west Cork last Christmas, will open in Bantry, Co Cork, today.
Ms Toscan du Plantier, a Frenchwoman who had a holiday home near Schull, was staying alone in the area which she had visited for the Christmas holidays. Her mutilated body was found before Christmas in a lane adjoining her home.
It is expected that the State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, will give evidence today at the inquest. The inquest is then expected to adjourn and further evidence will be taken later.