Ian Bailey's ex brands Garda cold case review into Sophie's murder a ‘stitch-up’

Jules Thomas felt it was "farcical" that she had not heard from detectives since the review of the case began 18 months ago and she is adamant her ex partner of 25 years, Bailey is not the killer.

She said; "The Gardai are not interested in the truth when it comes to this case, and never have been. They have spent millions and have got nowhere.

"From day one they were given loads of leads from various witnesses and for whatever reason they never followed them up.

"If they go and seek the truth the French will go ballistic and that is why it has never happened. The whole investigation is a cover up."

The west Cork painter has had no contact with Ian Bailey since they split up a few years ago.

He moved out of her house near Schull - three miles from where Sophie lived - and is now living in a flat in Bantry.

She said; " I have nothing to do with Ian. I do not speak to him. He is living his life and I am getting on with mine.

"I can not believe that the Gardai have not been in touch with me. You would think they would.

"This whole Sophie case is like a black cloth hanging over your head, it just never goes away.

"The truth is Ian had nothing to do with this murder and I have only ever told the truth.

"The Review team is not interested in what I have to say, otherwise they would have contacted me."

Ian Bailey was arrested twice over Sophie's murder but never charged on the orders of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He has always protested his innocence even though a court in France found him guilty of the crime in absentia and sentenced him to 25 years in jail. The Irish courts have refused to extradite him to France.

The controversial 66 year old Englishman has suffered deteriorating health after having three heart attacks in recent months. He is due to have major heart surgery in the Spring.

The Gardai have always denied any cover up and say they are re-examining every statement and every bit of evidence as part of the cold case review into the murder. There are over 5,000 files involved.

A senior source said ; " This is a painstaking operation and takes time. Everybody who was previously interviewed will be at some stage . All we are trying to do is find the killer and no stone is being left unturned."

Sophie was battered to death on a lane beside her west Cork home in Christmas,1996.

Gardai have always believed that she knew her killer.