Ian Bailey, the man who was previously arrested on suspicion of murdering Sophie Toscan du Plantier, has been accused of drink-driving. His car was stopped by Gardaí in Schull, West Cork, on Sunday evening where he denied being over the limit. Bailey has been under scrutiny over the past few years regarding his involvement in Toscan du Plantier’s death, and this latest incident has now put him back in the spotlight.
Irish poet and writer, Ian Bailey, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in West Cork on a Sunday night. While speaking about the incident, Mr. Bailey stated that he was not over the limit and that he had attempted to provide a roadside breath test three times. However, he suspects that the machine may have been defective, and as a result, he later provided a urine sample at Bantry Garda Station.
In Mr. Bailey’s account of the event, he stated that he was returning from a Tradfest in Ballydehob when he noticed blue lights flashing behind him. According to Mr. Bailey, he initially thought the garda said ‘you have been driving erotically’ but later realized that the garda had stated ‘you have been driving erratically’. The poet and writer then went on to describe how he attempted to provide a breath test on three occasions at the garda’s instructions, but each time the device failed to register. He stated that he was then told that he would be taken to provide a sample at the garda station.
Mr. Bailey reported that he blew into the bag as hard as he could, but it still failed to work. When he told the garda that there might be something wrong with the machine, he claimed to have said,
“There might be something up with your machine — it’s not my fault.”
Later at the garda station, Mr. Bailey elected to provide a urine sample as he is “needle-phobic”. The incident occurred on a Sunday at roughly 9:30 pm, where Mr. Bailey claimed that he drove perfectly safely. He stated that he is hoping the samples of urine he gave at the station will be under the limit.
Mr. Bailey, who was found guilty in absentia in 2019 by a court in Paris of the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier, has always denied any involvement in her death. In addition, he has recently revealed that he is likely to lose his current rented accommodation in Bantry due to the lifting of the eviction ban by the government. This situation is causing him anxiety, and he mentioned that he is a “single guy” with little hope of finding alternative accommodation.
Mr. Bailey’s current predicament is just one of many such cases worldwide, where people are struggling to find a place to live. The current housing crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have compounded difficulties that people face in securing stable living arrangements. The situation highlights the need for a more comprehensive solution to help those affected by the housing crisis, especially vulnerable people like single individuals with limited financial resources.
Mr. Bailey also queried how news of his arrest on Sunday night became known and mentioned that an alleged assault on him last year is still being investigated by the gardaí. This raises questions about privacy laws and the protection of sensitive information. It also highlights the importance of all sections of society adhering to the law and taking responsibility for their actions.
In conclusion, Mr. Bailey’s recent arrest for alleged drink-driving, and his uncertain future with regards to housing, highlights the difficulties that many individuals face in society today. The events that followed his arrest and subsequent news coverage raised several issues that need to be addressed to ensure the protection of individual privacy and their rights. It is crucial to recognize and assist those affected by the current housing crisis to help them find stable, secure living arrangements.
In conclusion, the case of Ian Bailey denying being over the drink-drive limit on Sunday remains a controversial issue. While he strongly denies the allegations and has made several arguments in his favor, it is up to the court to decide the final verdict. We can only hope that the truth comes out and justice is served in this matter. As responsible citizens, let us remember to never drink and drive, and prioritize the safety of ourselves and others on the road. Let us always remember that drinking and driving is not only illegal but also a grave danger to ourselves and those around us.
