Where is Ian Bailey now and what happened to him after Sophie Toscan du Plantiers murder?
Don't miss a thing by getting the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Click here Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice  Sophie: A Murder in West Cork examines one of Irelands most notorious cases, which saw French documentary producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier brutally killed outside of her holiday cottage in the quiet coastal town of Schull in 1996. Directed by BAFTA nominee John Dower, the three-part series unravels the whole story from the very beginning to the present-day. The documentary is available to stream on Netflix from today and will feature exclusive contributions from members of du Plantiers family as well as interviews with local press and Schull residents. Heres everything you need to know about Ian Bailey. When Paris-born television producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier was found bludgeoned to death near her holiday cottage in Schull two days before Christmas in 1996, the news of the crime sent shockwaves through Ireland. Manchester-born Ian Bailey was a journalist working for the local newspapers at the time, and was one of the first on the scene. He later became a suspect in the case, with circumstantial evidence against him including scratches on his face and arms, claims of a changing alibi and a witness statement from a local resident, claiming to have seen him on a bridge near where the victim was found. Bailey was arrested twice in connection with the case but was subsequently released as there was no evidence to suggest he ever had any direct contact with the victim. He has always denied any involvement in the murder. French courts convicted Bailey in absentia in 2019 following a four day trial, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. Though the country has made several attempts to extradite him, Irelands High Court ruled against it due to there being no proof beyond reasonable doubt. Bailey has lived in Schull, Ireland with his partner Jules Thomas since 1992. The couple reportedly announced they had split in early 2021. Though Bailey is now convicted in France, he was not charged in Ireland, and the 25-year police investigation is still ongoing. He maintains that he is innocent, claiming that Sophies husband, Daniel Toscan du Plantier, was responsible for her death, ordering the killing. Bailey cited her life insurance policy as well as her husbands unwillingness to go to Ireland to identify her body as evidence for his claims. Du Plantier has a solid alibi, however, and there have not been any other notable suspects. Sophie: A Murder in West Cork is available to stream today, June 30 on Netflix.