Suspected killer Ian Bailey graduates with a law degree

The self-proclaimed suspect in the murder of French woman, Sophie Toscan du Plantier, Ian Bailey, has graduated from the University College of Cork with a degree in Civil Law.

His graduation comes just ten days before the High Court is due to hear an extradition bid against him by the French authorities. They are looking to question him with relation to the “willful homicide and serious assault and battery” of Ms Toscan du Pantier.

Mr Bailey has been arrested twice and released without charge by Irish police investigating the murder.

Ms Toscan du Plantier was found battered to death in a laneway leading to her holiday home in Schull, County Cork on December 23, 14 years ago.

Mr Bailey spoke to the Irish Examiner after he graduated. He admitted that he was heading into an “unknown territory” due to the economic climate in Ireland. He also said that he had always been “interested in studying law.”

He said that studying for the degree had not been made easy due to continuing publicity. However her said that the law faculty had been a “great support” and the students were “immensely supportive”.

Although he usually declines to speak to the media the 53-year-old British former-journalist answered all questions put to him.