Gardaí arrest Bailey in connection with du Plantier murder

Ian Bailey has been arrested on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued in connection with the murder of French film producer, Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The 53-year-old was detained by gardaí at his home in Schull, West Cork, just before midnight last night.

He was brought to Bandon Garda Station and it is expected he will appear before the High Court later today.

French authorities want to question Mr Bailey as part of their investigation into Sophie Toscan du Plantier’s murder 14 years ago.

This is the third time he has been arrested in connection with the murder of 39-year-old Ms Toscan du Plantier, who was beaten to death outside her isolated holiday home at Toormore near Schull in west Cork two days before Christmas 1996.

Bailey has denied involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier’s death.

Two years ago investigating Magistrate Patrick Gachon was appointed by authorities in Paris to conduct his own inquiry under French law into the film maker’s death, after the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland announced that nobody would be charged arising from the garda investigation.

The European arrest warrant executed by detectives from the extradition section at Garda headquarters in Dublin was sought by Judge Gachon’s investigation.

Mr Bailey arrived at Bandon garda station at 1.15am this morning.

He is expected to challenge any move to bring him before Judge Gachon’s investigation in France.