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IAN BAILEY HAS said that he believes that he will be “in a state of recovery for the rest of my life”, following the decision of the State yesterday, which he called “the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book.”
Yesterday, the State confirmed that it would not appeal the decision of the High Court that refused to hand him over to the French authorities.
In May 2019, the former journalist was convicted in his absence by the Paris Cour d’Assises of three judges for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Cork 24 years ago.
Bailey denies any involvement in du Plantier’s death, he has been arrested twice here but never charged in connection with his death.
Speaking to Philip Boucher Hayes on Today on RTE Radio 1, Bailey said he doesn’t know if this was the end of the line for French authorities, but admitted that yesterday’s decision was “significant.”
“It is the end of a chapter rather than a book. Obviously, yesterday’s decision was significant, but obviously there are many unanswered questions, “he said.
Last night, Bailey’s attorney, Frank Buttimer, said that the latest event probably marked the end of the end of the French case.
“In the absence of some extraordinary event … that is the end of the extradition nightmare,” Buttimer said.
When asked if he has yet to understand the significance of yesterday’s decision, Bailey said that it is difficult for him to move forward.
I think the sinking. It is a penny that falls slowly, after a quarter of a century in the effect of torture and a false narrative on me. I feel like I’m in some kind of recovery. And I think I’ll probably be in a state of recovery for the rest of my life.
A spokesman for the du Plantier family said last night that they were stunned by the latest twist in the long-running saga.
Speaking about the family, Bailey said that he is “very understanding” of them and that there are no winners in the case.
“From my point of view, I don’t see this as a victory because I don’t see it that way, there are only losers in this, the French family, ourselves.”
I really sympathize with them. I mean, what you have to remember is that the French family was convinced from the beginning that I had something to do with it. Then I can understand your belief, if you like.
Source: RTÉ Radio 1 / SoundCloud
Bailey had previously filed a case against the state and Gardaí for his arrest for the murder of du Plantier. Bailey lost that case and was left with a legal bill that had been estimated at between 2 and 5 million euros.
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When asked about this, Bailey said the total cost to him was: “I think € 7.2 million, but you’re having fun.”
He said he “makes a living” at a farmers market in Cork and did not know what would happen to the legal bill he owes.
“I am very, very happy to live in West Cork. I mean, I think it’s a wonderful and beautiful place in the world and the people are wonderful. You have to accept your faith, ”Bailey said.
When asked about his plans for today, Bailey said:
“I’m going to get the chicks out of here, they are about six or six inches tall. Later I will dedicate myself to wood carving, gardening and algae harvesting ”.
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