French authorities investigating the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork 20 years ago have confirmed that they are to charge chief suspect, English journalist Ian Bailey with her murder.
Newly appointed investigating magistrate, Nathalie Turkey has delivered an indictment order to start a criminal case at the Court of Assizes in Paris on the ground of voluntary homicide against Mr Bailey following an investigation into the death of Ms Toscan du Plantier.
The process is the equivalent of charging Mr Bailey with the killing in absentia and the process now involves having him listed for trial in France for the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier, according to French legal sources.
French authorities can prosecute a person for an offence against a French citizen committed outside of the territory of France.
Ms Toscan du Plantier’s badly beaten body was found outside her holiday home near Toormore outside Schull in West Cork on the morning of December 23rd 1996 but no one has ever been charged in Ireland in connection with her death despite an extensive Garda investigation.
English journalist, Ian Bailey (59) was twice arrested by gardai and questioned about the murder but he has always denied any involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier’s death and he has also denied ever making any admissions that he killed her.
