The High Court has endorsed a European Arrest Warrant for English journalist, Ian Bailey who is being sought by the French authorities in connection with the murder of French film producer, Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork 13 years ago.
Lawyers from the Chief State Solicitors Office went before the High Court in Dublin this afternoon with the original European Arrest Warrant issued by French Magistrate, Judge Patrick Gachon last month and presented it to Mr Justice Michael Peart.
Last week, Mr Justice Peart had asked for the original warrant and upon receipt of the document yesterday afternoon, he endorsed it, paving the way for the arrest of Mr Bailey (53) who is currently at his home near Schull in West Cork studying for his final law exams next month at UCC.
The body of the 39 year old French film producer was found outside her holiday home in Toormore near Schull in Co Cork in December 1996.
Mr Bailey, now in his final year of a law degree at UCC, was arrested and questioned twice by gardaí in 1997 and 1998. He has consistently said he is innocent of any involvement in the death of Madame du Plantier.
