Another twist in the tale.

A Paris lawyer named Alain Spilliaert has said he has “no doubt whatsoever” that Ian Bailey will eventually be extradited to France.

The High Court of Ireland has on three separate occasions refused to grant the extradition of Mr. Bailey, who was tried in absentia and convicted of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier by a French magistrate in 2019. The Gardaí have never charged anyone with the crime.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, Mr. Spilliaert said that Ireland was under pressure from the European Commission to change its extradition process.

“It will take some time, but Ireland will be forced to change its law in terms of how it handles European Arrest Warrants. We are confident he will eventually be extradited to France to stand trial.

“What is going on cannot continue. He is always giving interviews about the case. His story changes a lot. It is very upsetting for the family.”

Frank Buttimer, lawyer for Ian Bailey, hit back at this assertion, saying: “It’s extraordinary that the French authorities should seek in any way to criticise Ireland for non-compliance with obligations under the European Arrest Warrant system, particularly in relation to delays,” he said.

“Bear in mind the incomprehensible delay the French authorities stand accused of in relation to their relentless pursuit of Mr Bailey.

“When that was refused by the Irish Supreme Court in 2012, it took the French a further five years to bring their next extradition proceedings. After that was rejected, it took them a further two years for their third extradition request, which also failed.”

Bailey has been back in the headlines this year thanks to his participation in two documentaries about the death of Ms. Toscan du Plantier. Mr. Bailey has long denied any involvement in the tragedy.

On a state visit to Ireland earlier this year, French president Emmanuel Macron said that Bailey could be offered a new trial if he agreed to his be extradited to France.

Header image via Twitter/@IanKennethBail1