Updated 3. 50 pm
A JURY OF eight men and four women has been sworn as Ian Bailey begins his civil action against the State for wrongful arrest.
Judge John Hedigan thanked the jury for the “tedious morning” they endured and they were excused for the afternoon.
Tomorrow morning Bailey’s legal team will outline his case against An Garda Síochána, the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General
Bailey alleges he was unfairly targeted as a suspect in the murder investigation of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996. His case will allege that gardaí manufactured evidence against him and that he has suffered emotionally and financially as a result.
The trial jury was selected this morning in what Hedigan described as a “particularly lengthy” process.
Bailey was present in the High Court along with his partner Jules Thomas with garda whistleblower John Wilson part of the public gallery. There was also a significant media presence.
The case is expected to last into December and will hear from gardaí as well as former DPPs and Bailey himself.
Transcripts from recorded phonecalls at Bantry garda station and elsewhere are also likely to figure heavily during the trial.
The former journalist is suing for damages with Bailey’s legal team last month asked to hand over documents which provide evidence of potential loss of earnings he may have incurred.
As part of preparations for the trial, GSOC was also ask to deliver statements made to it by Bailey, Thomas, Marie Farrell and Martin Graham.
The jury were advised by Judge Hedigan today to “avoid rushing to judgement” and “have confidence in yourself” during the course of the trial. He warned them not to pay attention to any media coverage during the trial and not to “engage in any research on the internet”.
The court was involved in legal argument and will resume before the jury tomorrow morning at 11am.
Bailey was never charged over the killing of the French film maker but was arrested in connection with it. He has always denied any involvement with the murder.
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