Murder suspect Ian Bailey arrested this morning and then released on bail

As he predicted in his exclusive interview with hotpress.com on Monday, Ian Bailey was arrested at the Criminal Courts of Justice building this morning, after a High Court judge endorsed a European Arrest Warrant issued by the French authorities, who want to try him for the 'voluntary homicide' of 39-year-old film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier, in west Cork in December 1996.

Bailey (60) of The Prairie, Liscaha, Schull, Co Cork was subsequently remanded on bail, following a short hearing. Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan told the court that he arrested Bailey at the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning at 10.21am, about 20 minutes after the warrant was endorsed.

Mr. Bailey was handed an arrest warrant by Detective Sergeant Kirwan and, when asked if he wished to say anything, Bailey responded: “The warrant, as read to me, is severely flawed.”

His legal team has previously told the court that they intend to oppose the application to have him sent to France.

Justice Tony Hunt indicated that bail is not an issue in this case. He set bail at €15,000 on Mr Bailey’s own bond with no lodgement. He must remain at his current address and hand over his expired passport to gardai. He must not leave the jurisdiction without permission from the court and must attend the High Court when required.

Justice Tony Hunt set a date for next Friday, 7 April, to hear submissions relating to the application made by the French authorities. He told Bailey that he is not obliged to attend in person on that date. The judge told Bailey’s legal representatives that it would be best if they have their submissions ready at that time, adding: “The quicker you get them in the quicker we can work towards dealing with the matter.”

Bailey has already been served with an indictment from the French authorities. They want him to face trial in France for the alleged voluntary homicide of Ms Toscan du Plantier, who was found beaten to death outside her holiday home in Schull on December 23rd, 1996.

Bailey has denied all links to the death of Ms Toscan du Plantier and alleges a garda conspiracy to frame him for her killing.

This is the second time the French authorities have tried to bring Mr Bailey to France following a rejection by the Supreme Court in 2012. It is not unusual for the French authorities to prosecute a person for crimes committed against French citizens outside of France. The French could also try Bailey in his absence.