Director Jim Sheridan says there wasn't a 'shred of evidence' against Ian Bailey
Oscar nominated film director Jim Sheridan has said he believes Ian Bailey was 'probably innocent' of the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier.
The French filmmaker was bludgeoned to death outside her holiday home in Toormore on the outskirts of Schull in West Cork on December 23, 1996.
Mr Bailey – who always denied the killing of the mother – remained as the key suspect into her horrific death, but was never charged by Gardai, however he was convicted of murder in absentia in a French court in 2019.
My Left Foot director, Jim Sheridan, has released a new docudrama, Re-Creation, which premiered in the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in recent days.
It promises to bring new evidence to light about Ms Toscan du Plantier's death in West Cork in 1996.
Mr Sheridan said he believes there is "not a shred of evidence" that Mr Bailey – who died in January 2024 - killed Mrs Toscan du Plantier.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Sheridan said he believes the case is a "double injustice".
'I feel Sophie's murderer has never been found, her death has never been avenged,' he said.
'A man who probably was 100% innocent has been castigated through life; he lived a horrible life and died a horrible death and has a horrible name. I don't think he killed her and there's not a shred of evidence to say he did.'
Mr Bailey was convicted in absentia after a trial in France in 2015. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, officials in France were unable to extradite him to Paris to serve the sentence handed down by the courts.
Mr Sheridan said that Mr Bailey's conviction in a French court was a 'farce'.
When asked about the reaction of the Toscan du Plantier family, Mr Sheridan said that 'of course' he knew he risked upsetting them when he made the film.
'You can't say because you're upset that you can ruin another man's life,' he said. 'There's no evidence.'
He continued that the family of Mr Bailey have also suffered over the years.
'I'm sure Ian Bailey's sister was upset that there was nobody at his funeral and that he had to die that ignominious way,' he said. 'I'm sure she's upset.'
During a defamation trial in Dublin in 2014, Mr Bailey admitted that he had been "seriously violent" towards his partner on three occasions.
When asked about Mr Bailey's history of violence, Mr Sheridan described it as 'not good'.
Also on the programme, Alain Spilliaert, a lawyer for Ms Toscan du Plantier's family, said he had not seen the film yet but that he has concerns.
'Mr Jean-Pierre Gazeau, the uncle of Sophie and President of the Association, raised the issue of questionable ethics,' he said.
'We feel that it is not relevant to show a fictional movie at this point of time of the criminal investigation.
'This is such a large, sensitive case in Ireland… and it's not finished.'
Mr Spilliaert added that it would have been better to wait until the investigation finishes before any drama about the case is released.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Gerry Hutch will ‘have to testify' & take the stand if alleged money laundering case proceeds, Spanish courts insist
GERRY 'The Monk' Hutch must take the stand in court if the case against him proceeds — Spanish authorities have told us. The 62-year-old Dubliner remains under investigation for alleged money laundering offences but he has yet to reappear in a Lanzarote court since Advertisement 4 Gerry Hutch is likely to appear in court in Spain Credit: Gary Ashe 4 The probe is centred on the alleged use of cash from criminal activities to buy properties and vehicles Credit: JUAN MATEOS 4 It is also assisted by the Gardai by sharing information and evidence Credit: PA:Press Association There was a series of raids in Advertisement Spanish authorities branded Hutch as 'an alleged leader of an international gang of criminals' and he was held in He was granted bail of €100,000 and returned to Ireland ahead of his bid for a Dail seat in In an update given to They told us: 'Mr Hutch is still under investigation. He has not reappeared at this time. 'If the case goes forward and is not dismissed, he will have to testify at the Advertisement We also understand that Hutch is 'likely' to be summoned to appear to testify in any preliminary investigation phase hearing if it is scheduled. The Spanish-led probe is centred on the Hutch Organised Crime Group's alleged use of cash from criminal activities to buy properties and vehicles in The investigation — which saw eight others also lifted — has been ongoing for more than two years, with Gerry Hutch returns to Ireland to make run for Dail official After the arrests, authorities in Spain said: 'They are being probed as alleged perpetrators of money laundering crimes committed within a criminal organisation.' In an interview last year, Hutch claimed the probe was being orchestrated by the Gardai to prevent him standing in the election. Advertisement He denied any wrongdoing when he returned back to BACK HOME FOR DAIL RUN Hutch ran for a Irish director The My Left Foot director was following Hutch with a camera crew as part of a documentary he is making about the election and the gang boss. 'If the case goes forward and is not dismissed, he will have to testify at the trial hearing if one is scheduled. The probe is ongoing, and its contents are not public.' Spokesman for the Canary Islands' High Court of Justice Speaking at the count centre in the Advertisement He said: 'I was thinking of just doing a small documentary about the election – that's all. I never thought he'd get in or have a chance.' RAGS TO RICHES & FAME GERRY 'The Monk' Hutch could soon become a Netflix star if Jim Sheridan gets his way. A trailer on the life story of the gangster, made by the award-winning producer and director, was sent to the global network for consideration earlier this year. Both Netflix and Sky have indicated to Sheridan they are interested in The Monk's rags-to-riches life story. The director has made a trailer on the proposed real-life story and it is being sent to them. Earlier this year a source told us: 'Gerry gave Jim his full co-operation and has given him several hours of taped interviews. Some of the stuff he spoke about is incredible. 'However, some clips may have to be refilmed because they are now outdated and have been overtaken by (recent) events. 'There will be huge public interest in his story and what he has to say. 'Both Netflix and Sky are now considering it.' Asked why he thinks people backed The Monk at the polls, Jim said: 'I just think it is anger at their position. Years and years of drugs and nothing happening in that community. 'Like some people are trying to help but there has never been, like since Tony Gregory, a cohesive attitude towards it or a focused attitude. 'Sheriff Street, I think that was the one thing they got wrong because it's like a blocked artery down there. 'It's crazy and it's in the shadow of all these IFSC and it's not really a real community. It's just one street now and you would just wish that something good was developed for it.' Advertisement DPP DECISION TO COME Hutch refused to rule out running for public office again after failing in his attempt to win a Dail seat last year. He has since continued to live between Ireland and Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions is weighing up organised crime charges against him here in Ireland. Hutch walked free from the Special Criminal Court in April 2023, left, after he was acquitted of murdering the 34-year-old 4 Hutch ran for a Dail seat last year and just fell short in Dublin Central Credit: Reuters Advertisement
Dublin Live
3 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Tearful scenes at funeral of 'kind-hearted' dad killed in e-scooter crash
There were tearful scenes today at the funeral of a tragic dad who died in a serious road traffic incident involving an e-scooter. Mourners gathered at Saint Josephs Church, Poppintree, Dublin to pay their respects to Jack Goss, who died from his injuries a day after the accident on Father's Day last Sunday. Jack was described as a "kind hearted dad" who brought so much joy and love to his family. Jack, from Poppintree in Ballymun, Dublin 9 was seriously injured on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15 following the horror collision on the Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown but sadly passed away on Monday, June 16. In his death notice on it stated Jack is the 'beloved son of Michael and Helena and brother of Alex and Catherine, partner of Hannah and Daddy to Romee Rose.' His heartbroken family said in Jack's death notice that "He brought to their lives so much love, kindness and joy. "Jack's incredible spirit and big heart will forever be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, loved ones and his community whom he loved. Jack's infectious spirit, fun and love touched so many. His legacy lives on in his precious baby girl and all who loved him." Mourners were invited to make donations in lieu of flowers to the local Aisling Project in Poppintree and Ballymun who educate and provide life skills to young people. Meanwhile, tributes continue to be paid to Jack with one mourner writing in the condolence section on "My heart broke to hear the awful news about Jack. He was so polite, kind and caring, an absolute credit to his parents, he will be sadly missed by so many." Another wrote: "RIP Jack, grateful I knew you like I did," and another wrote: "A gentle giant with a heart of gold. We will forever cherish all our memories of you. Rest peacefully Jack." Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to the serious road traffic collision as investigations are ongoing. "Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving an e-scooter shortly after 5pm on Sunday, June 15. The male, aged in his 20s, travelling on the e-scooter who was brought to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown to be treated for serious injuries has since passed away. "Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Cappagh Road area between Heathfield and Cappagh Hospital between 4.45pm and 5.05pm on Sunday and may have camera footage are asked to make it available," the statement said. "Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Lie at 1800 666 111 or any garda station." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders reveals another shock return as Albert Square legend's son makes Walford comeback
EASTENDERS have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback. Gorgeous best known for her explosive 'You ain't my mother!' showdown with hit the square last week and now someone else is following in her footsteps. 6 EastEnders have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback Credit: PA 6 Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar Branning, the son of Max Branning and is to return to EastEnders for the first time in eight years Credit: PA 6 Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 when he visited his father Max Credit: BBC Zoe was back as and . But now there's another shock return for the drama filled square. Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 (played by twins Neo & Charlee Hall) when he made a brief visit to Max on Father's Day. EastEnders However, just why he is returning and where he's been is set to be revealed when Lauren receives a mysterious call. Newcomer Pierre Moullier will play Oscar, who is now 17, as he arrives and turns Lauren's life upside down. "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. Most read in Soaps "We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' Pierre Moullier added: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square! Blackmail horror for EastEnders teenager as sexual predator Joel targets another victim "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Pierre has already started filming, and Oscar will return to our screens next month. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Fans also Additionally, a host of stars have One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas , something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters." 6 Michelle Ryan returned as Zoe to the soap much to fans delight Credit: ITV 6 Speculation is rising that Max Branning will also be returning to the square Credit: BBC 6 Oscar will return to our screens next month Credit: PA
