Briton to be extradited over killing

A British man suspected of murdering a French film-maker in Ireland is to be extradited to Paris to face questioning after a ruling by the High Court in Dublin.

Ian Bailey, a former journalist, is wanted by French police over the killing of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, 39, who was beaten to death outside her holiday home in the Irish Republic in 1996.

Mr Bailey was arrested twice on suspicion of her murder but the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions did not pursue the case because of lack of evidence. Mr Bailey has denied involvement.

But yesterday the court ruled that he should be extradited to France to face a criminal inquiry.

Under French law, the authorities can investigate the suspicious death of a citizen abroad and a European Arrest Warrant was issued in February last year.

The judge ordered Mr Bailey to give himself up to French authorities, but put a stay on his extradition until Tuesday, giving his legal team time to decide if they want to appeal to the Supreme Court.