A French court has postponed its ruling on English journalist Ian Bailey’s appeal against the decision to charge him in France with the voluntary homicide of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
The 39-year-old film producer was murdered at her holiday home near Schull in west Cork in December 1996.
Mr Bailey (60) has denied any involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier’s killing. He was twice arrested in the case and questioned about the killing in Ireland.
Mr Bailey had been due to hear on Thursday, January 25th, whether he had been successful in an appeal against the decision to charge him in France with the voluntary homicide of Ms Toscan du Plantier.
The three-judge appeal court, the Chambre d'Instruction, had been expected to deliver its ruling in Paris.
However, the Chambre d'Instruction on Thursday postponed its ruling on the appeal until February 1st. No reason was given.
Whatever the decision, there is almost certain to be a final appeal to France's highest court, the Cour de Cassation.
If charges against Mr Bailey are maintained, Mr Bailey’s lawyer will file an appeal.
If the decision to send Mr Bailey to trial is found invalid, lawyers for Ms Toscan du Plantier’s family will do so.
The final appeal could take another six months.
