Ian Bailey to fight extradition for 14-year-old-murder

Ian Bailey, the former journalist who lives in West Cork, is fighting his extradition to France where he is wanted for questioning over the murder of film maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Toscan du Plantier was beaten to death in west Cork 14 years ago.

The 39-year-old Frech woman was found dead outside her holiday home at Toormore two days before Christmas 1996. Bailey was arrested three times in connection with her murder but he was never charged. He has consistently denied any involvement in her death.

French authorities are conducting their own investigation after the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced that no one would be charged following the investigation by Irish police.

This week an arrest warrant was issued by police in France, where Bailey is now wanted for alleged wilful homicide and serious assault and battery.

French law permits authorities to investigate the suspicious death of a French national abroad but they cannot compel witnesses to go to France for questioning.

Meanwhile Bailey, 53, was awarded a law degree at University College Cork earlier this month.