A garda sergeant has denied being aggressive towards Ian Bailey's partner Jules Thomas during her arrest in 2000.

Sergeant Mary Burbage has been giving evidence at the journalist's damages action against the State for alleged wrongful arrest on suspicion of murdering French film maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Sergeant Mary Burbage was a member of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation when she was called to assist in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case.

She said she was present when Jules Thomas was arrested at her home in 2000 on suspicion of covering up for her partner Ian Bailey.

She denied claims by Ms Thomas that she acted aggressively or that she stood over her when she went to the toilet.

It was put to her that Jules Thomas claimed she'd signed documents while in garda custody not because she wanted to but because she was scared.

''I don't believe that,'' she replied

She also denied that gardai had arrested Jules's 17 year old daughter Fenella the day before in order to put pressure on her mother and Ian Bailey.