Bailey due before court for extradition hearing

Ian Bailey is before a sitting of the High Court to contest his extradition to France on foot of a warrant sought by French authorities investigating the West Cork murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The 53-year-old was arrested last night just before midnight by Garda Extradition officers at his home outside Schull.

The 39-year-old French film producer's body was found outside her West Cork holiday home in December 1996.

Ian Bailey was detained overnight at Bandon Garda Station where he left from at 11am in an unmarked garda car.

A protracted legal battle looks likely given his solicitor has already indicated that the validity of the warrant and any attempt to extradite his client to France will be vigourously contested.