Ian Bailey facing another twist in Sophie Toscan du Plantier case. Commissioner Harris remains silent or maybe just indecisive. The French will continue to seek the extradition of Mr Bailey for the murder of Sophie du Plantier. President Macron on a recent visit to Ireland included on his agenda this tragic murder and named Ian Bailey. The question now is if Commissioner Drew Harris requests a cold case, would this defer the transfer/extradition of Mr Bailey to France until the Irish Gardai reach a conclusion?

 22nd September 2021

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Ian Bailey is facing another twist in the French authorities case against him in relation to Sophie Toscan du Plantier’s murder.© Provided by Extra.ie

Mr Bailey was the chief suspect in the Ms Toscan du Plantier‘s murder case since it was launched following the discovery of her body in Schull, west Cork in December 1996.

Despite heavy interest from Gardai that Mr Bailey was the main suspect, he was never charged with an offence related to the case in Ireland.© Provided by Extra.ie Ian Bailey is facing another twist in the French authorities case against him in relation to Sophie Toscan du Plantier’s murder. Pic: Tom Honan

Nearly 25 years on from the case, Mr Bailey’s name is still synonymous with the case, which was again brought to light by two recent Sky and Netflix documentaries.

Although Mr Bailey was never charged or convicted in Ireland as part of the case, he was found guilty of murder in France in May, 2019 and he was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison.

In order for him to face that sentence or a retrial while he is present, French authorities have attempted to extradite Mr Bailey on three occasions, all of which have failed.© Provided by Extra.ie Mr Bailey was the chief suspect in the Ms Toscan du Plantier’s murder case since it was launched following the discovery of her body in Schull, west Cork in December 1996. Pic: Hells Kitchen/Barbara McCarthy via Sky Studios

Irish authorities have declined to hand over Mr Bailey for transport to France, but issues are beginning to surface over Ireland’s stance.

The European Commission recently criticised Ireland’s compliance with European Arrest Warrant rules, particularly how it complies to time limits listed under those warrants.

Solicitor for Ms Toscan du Plantier’s family, Alain Spilliaert, said that pressure on Ireland in relation to the arrest warrants and extradition will have an affect on its stance on Mr Bailey.© Provided by Extra.ie Although Mr Bailey was never charged or convicted in Ireland as part of the case, he was found guilty of murder in France in May, 2019 and he was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison. Pic: Collins Courts

If a change were to happen, he said, Mr Bailey could face a fourth attempt at extradition by French authorities.

According to The Sun, Mr Spilliaert said: ‘It could be done very quickly in parliament, a change in the law.

‘As soon it is done, process will start again. There will be a notification to Bailey, he would be able to lodge recourse before the High Court in Dublin, but the situation would be different.’