Ian Bailey goes on trial in France on Monday in a three-judge process that is expected to continue all week.

The 61-year-old, who has always denied any involvement in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Cork, is being tried in absentia.

French prosecutors will examine the death of Ms du Plantier in Cork in December 1996 during proceedings, which are expected to last until Friday.

A number of witnesses have been called to travel to Paris from Cork to testify in the case.

However many are said to be unwilling to attend, and the French authorities have no power to compel them to do so.

Mr Bailey will not be attending and neither will his legal team.

His solicitor Frank Buttimer said his client has already been exonerated in Ireland.

He also described the French trial as unfair and unjust.

"It is something which is causing endless distress to Mr Bailey - it is regrettable that it's going ahead.

"It's regrettable that it's being facilitated to some degree or other by our Department of Justice, providing mutual assistance to allow it to happen.

"And other than that, just to confirm that Mr Bailey will not be participating in the proceedings and will not be represented".