Wreath laid at scene of murder

The family of murder victim Ms Sophie Toscan du Plantier yesterday laid a wreath on the lonely laneway in west Cork where she was killed seven years ago.

Ms Toscan du Plantier's parents, Mr Georges Bouniol and Ms Marguerite Bouniol, and aunt, Ms Marie Madeline Opalka, also attended an anniversary Mass in Goleen, Co Cork, where they thanked locals for their support in recent years.

Their visit comes as Mr Ian Bailey, who was arrested twice following the murder but never charged, continues his libel action against seven newspapers over articles linking him to the killing. He has always denied any role in the murder.

The family, who are not attending the libel hearing, laid a wreath beside a small cross erected close to the spot where Ms Toscan du Plantier's battered body was discovered on the morning of December 23rd, 1996.

The victim's family lodged a plenary summons in the High Court in Dublin last year claiming damages for the loss of a daughter and mother.

In an action described as the first of its kind in the history of the State, the family are seeking damages for wrongful death, for loss and emotional upset and distress, and infringement of their constitutional rights.

Upwards of 60 parishioners gathered at St Patrick's Church in Goleen where local priest Father Hugh McLaughlin spoke of the impact the murder has had on the local community.

"We were all shocked when it happened seven years ago and even today we are still shocked and surprised by it," he said after the Mass. "Things are coming out now which had either been forgotten about or not spoken of before, so it is a difficult time." Ms Marie Madeline Opalka asked parishioners to continue to pray for Ms Toscan du Plantier.

The family later had dinner with Garda detectives and some locals at the cottage where Ms du Plantier lived. The house in Toormore, about six miles outside Schull, is now owned by Ms Toscan du Plantier's only son, Mr Pierre Louis Baudey (22).

Members of the family have travelled from France for the anniversary each year since the 38-year-old film-maker's violent death.

The libel trial continues today when Mr Bailey's partner, Ms Jules Thomas, will give evidence.