Ian Bailey extradition decision due today

The High Court will decide today whether Ian Bailey can be extradited to France for questioning in connection with the murder of film-maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Ms du Plantier, 39, was beaten to death near her west Cork home 14 years ago.

She was found dead outside her holiday home at Toormore, near Schull, west Cork, two days before Christmas 1996.

Bailey, 53, was arrested twice in connection with her murder but never charged. He denies any involvement in her death.

Under French law, authorities can investigate the suspicious death of a citizen abroad but cannot compel witnesses to go to Paris for questioning.

Investigating magistrate Patrick Gachon was appointed by officials in Paris to conduct an inquiry into Ms Toscan du Plantier’s violent death after the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland announced nobody would be charged. A European Arrest Warrant was issued for Bailey.

During a two-day hearing in December barrister Martin Giblin, senior counsel for Bailey, argued there has been no new evidence against him to support an extradition.

He also maintained the application was an insult to the Irish state and the DPP, who has repeatedly directed that no prosecution be taken.

Mr Justice Michael Peart will deliver his judgment in the High Court in Dublin.

Manchester-born Bailey, a recent law graduate, lives in Schull with his partner Jules Thomas.

He worked as a journalist in Gloucester and Cheltenham in England before moving to Ireland in 1991.