Former Partner of Ian Bailey Criticizes Garda Over Cold Case Review

Jules Thomas, the former partner of Ian Bailey, has publicly criticized the Garda Síochána for failing to interview her during the cold case review of the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier. Thomas expressed her surprise that the investigative team has not reached out to her, despite her significant connection to Bailey, a long-time suspect in the case.

The review, which has been ongoing for over three years, comes after the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, who was found dead near her home in Schull, Co Cork, on December 23, 1996. Thomas, who lived with Bailey for 25 years, provided him with an alibi for the night of the murder and remains convinced of his innocence.

The cold case review has drawn considerable attention not only due to the high-profile nature of the case but also because of Bailey’s controversial past. Thomas stated, “If they are interested in getting to the truth, you would expect that they might have spoken to me.” Her frustration is compounded by the lack of communication from the Garda, whom she claims have not contacted her at all.

Thomas raised concerns about the ongoing investigation, specifically the delay in releasing the results of DNA tests. Blood samples taken from the crime scene were sent to the United States for analysis last summer, yet no updates have been provided publicly. She remarked, “If those samples were Ian’s, I am absolutely sure they would have been leaked into the public domain by now.”

She criticized the Garda’s handling of the investigation from its inception, describing it as a “keystone cop investigation.” Thomas remarked that if the blood sample does not belong to Bailey, the authorities should publicly disclose that information, which they have yet to do.

Adding to her grievances, Thomas expressed her discontent regarding a Netflix documentary about the murder, which she claims presented inaccuracies and relied on hearsay from a libel trial. “They showed lie after lie without these innuendos being challenged,” she stated, highlighting her belief that the documentary misrepresented the facts surrounding the case.

Bailey, who passed away from a heart attack on January 21, 2021, consistently denied any involvement in the murder. He was arrested twice but never charged, and in 2019, a French court found him guilty in absentia, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. However, he never served this sentence due to Ireland’s refusal to extradite him.

The case has had a profound impact on both Thomas and Bailey, with Thomas stating that “this whole case destroyed us and caused nothing but never-ending stress.” She believes she knows who the real killer is, describing him as a “sex mad” individual who was acquainted with Sophie.

Recently, Bailey’s sister, Kay Reynolds, also called upon the Garda to release the DNA results, echoing the sentiments of Thomas. The Garda confirmed that their review is ongoing but declined to provide any further comments, citing operational reasons for withholding the DNA results.

As the investigation continues, the public remains focused on the legacy of this tragic case and the unanswered questions that linger nearly three decades later.