High Court defers ruling on Bailey extradition

The High Court has deferred a ruling on whether to extradite former journalist Ian Bailey to France for questioning in connection with the 1996 murder of film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The court wants to hear submissions from both Bailey’s lawyers and the State following a recent Supreme Court judgement that may have an impact on the case.

Ian Bailey was excused from attending the High Court today as Mr Justice Michael Peart had informed the parties in advance that he would not be handing down his decision today.

The former journalist who lives at Toormore, in Schull West Cork has always denied any involvement in the 1996 murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier at her holiday home in the town.

Before a ruling is made on France’s extradition request the judge says he wants to consider last week’s Supreme Court ruling in the Minister for Justice v Olsson which may have a bearing on Bailey’s case.

He says two issues arose from the judgement and he wanted to hear legal submissions from both sides next month.

Bailey’s lawyers have so far argued that the request to extradite the 53-year-old to France - possibly to face trial - when no new evidence has come to light is "an insult to justice".