Bailey bid to appeal extradition delayed

A BID by Ian Bailey to have his appeal against his extradition re-heard in the High Court will not be considered until January.

The motion was due to be heard in the Supreme Court today, but lawyers for the state said yesterday they were seeking more time as they were not ready to proceed.

The matter will be heard on January 13. Mr Bailey’s Supreme Court appeal is still scheduled to begin on January 16.

The Chief Justice, Ms Justice Susan Denham, told lawyers for both sides: “It’s very important that all papers are lodged and the case becomes fully ready as soon as possible.”

Mr Bailey is wanted for questioning by an investigating judge in France in connection with the death of French woman Sophie Toscan du Plantier. The body of the 39-year-old filmmaker was discovered near her holiday home in Schull, Co Cork, on December 23, 1996.

Mr Bailey has always denied any involvement in the murder. He was arrested by investigating gardaí and the DPP found no basis to charge him.

In March, the High Court ruled against Mr Bailey’s challenge to the warrant for his extradition. He then sought to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.

However, last week his lawyers said they wished to apply to have the case re-heard in the High Court.