Two decades have passed since former journalist Ian Bailey became the main suspect in the murder investigation of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, found bludgeoned to death outside her home in Toormore.
By Brian Moore
TWO decades have passed since former journalist Ian Bailey became the main suspect in the murder investigation of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, found bludgeoned to death outside her home in Toormore.
Today, with another extradition request and a second European arrest warrant from the French authorities lodged with the Department of Justice, Mr Bailey’s solicitor, Frank Buttimer, told The Southern Star that his client was living a life of apprehension and distress for the last 20 years. ‘With the European arrest warrant restricting his movements, Ian Bailey is a prisoner. This is an appalling state of affairs. His life is one of constant trepidation and anxiety,’ he said.
Bailey who lives with his partner, artist Jules Thomas outside Schull, spoke with The Southern Star this week: ‘The last 20 years have been traumatic and torturous, to say the least. My career, as a journalist, was destroyed. I am a virtual prisoner as I can not travel due to a European arrest warrant, I could not attend my mother’s funeral or travel to other family events in the UK, and I will not be able to attend my niece’s wedding.’
When asked how he has coped, Mr Bailey said that the Serenity Prayer has afforded him some peace and focus. ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. These words have helped, as have my legal studies. I am on a legal treadmill,’ Mr Bailey said.
‘Even though the authorities in France still maintain that I had something to do with this dreadful crime, I am very sensitive to the plight of the victim’s family. As I have already said, I can’t see an end to all of this,’ he added.
