A MAN and woman who both spent 12 hours in Garda custody yesterday in connection with the murder of Ms Sophie Toscan du Plantier (39) were released separately late last night and this morning.
The man was taken into custody by gardai around 11 a.m. at his home in the Schull area, near where Ms Toscan du Plantier's battered body was found by a neighbour on December 23rd last. The French woman had arrived in Ireland days earlier to spend some time at her holiday home at Toormore, a remote district outside Schull in West Cork.
The woman was also arrested in the Schull area over an hour later. She was released this morning.
After the man's release Chief Supt Noel Smith said that he was a free agent and was entitled to return to his hole. He added that a file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in connection with the man and said that gardai in West Cork were not disappointed at the outcome.
"The fact that a file is being sent to the DPP is in itself a sign of progress, Chief Superintendent Smith said, adding that the investigation would continue.
Since the murder more than 1,000 people have been interviewed by gardai in the West Cork area.
Lara Marlowe adds from Pans.
The husband and parents of Ms Toscan du Plantier were informed yesterday that the man and woman had been questioned in connection with her death. "Mr Toscan du Plantier is constantly in touch. He is waiting anxiously, but with great dignity," his lawyer, Mr Paul Haennig, told The Irish Times.
Mr Haennig, who is a friend of the Toscan du Plantier family, last month filed a criminal suit on behalf of Mr Daniel Toscan du Plantier and his wife's parents against her as yet unknown killer.
The first result of that French judicial procedure will occur this morning, when the three plaintiffs and Mr Haennig will meet Judge Brigitte Pellegrini, the investigating magistrate in the case.
"I would like to emphasise the great dignity and courage of Daniel Toscan du Plantier and of Sophie's parents," Mr Haenni continued. The family has refused all requests for interviews, asking him to speak on their behalf.