Gardai launch 'full review' into the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier 26 years after killing

Gardai have announced they are launching a 'full review' into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, who was killed 26 years ago in west Cork.

French film maker Sophie, 39, was bludgeoned to death with a large concrete block outside her holiday home near Schull on the night of December 23, 1996.

No one has ever been charged with her murder in Ireland and her family are still seeking for her killer to be brought to justice.

Gardai said today that they are still working on the case and that the investigation into her murder is "active and ongoing".

Following a review by a top garda, the Garda Serious Crime Review Team are now conducting a full review of the case and it will then be handed over to the local investigation team in West Cork.

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In a statement on Wednesday, a Garda spokesperson said: "The Garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has remained active and ongoing.

"Following a review by Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, the Garda Serious Crime Review Team will now conduct a full review of this case.

"On the finalisation of this review, the Serious Crime Review Team will provide recommendations to the local investigation team.

"An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to anyone who may have any information on this crime to contact the Garda investigation team at Bantry Garda Station 027 20860 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, An Garda Síochána will be not commenting on the specifics of the investigation."

A French court has convicted English former journalist Ian Bailey of Sophie's murder in absentia however, The Irish High Court has refused to extradite him to France.

Ian Bailey (pictured) has always maintained his innocence in relation to the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Collins Courts)

Bailey was arrested by gardai twice over Sophie’s death, in February 1997 and January 1998, but he was never charged and he has always denied any involvement.

The shocking murder was the subject of two true crime documentary series last year – Sky’s Murder at the Cottage and Netflix’ Sophie: A Murder in West Cork.

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