2020-03-19 · Cork
Ian Bailey extradition hearing remains on course
The High Court has confirmed that the hearing on the proposed extradition of Ian Bailey to France will take place on May 5, 2020, as a three‑day proceeding. The case concerns Bailey's alleged involvement in the 1996 murder of filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier, for which he was convicted in absentia in Paris and sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment. Bailey, aged 63, denies any role in the death and has described the French proceedings as a "farce." He has not appeared in the French court and has no legal representation there. The Irish court has noted that Bailey's senior counsel will oppose the extradition on grounds of fundamental rights, citing previous extradition attempts that were dismissed as abuses of process. The hearing will be mentioned on April 20 to confirm whether it will proceed, following a general practice direction to limit court attendance amid the coronavirus outbreak.