Kate and Gerry McCann may have to wait nearly a year for details of the Portuguese police case against them. They had expected to be given access to the files on November 14 so they could begin preparing their defence.
But police have applied to the investigating judge to have the deadline extended because they are still awaiting the results of forensic tests from Birmingham. And they have yet to question some of the so-called Tapas Nine, the McCanns' friends who were with them on the night their daughter Madeleine, now four, disappeared.
If the judge, Pedro Frias, grants the extension and gives the case "special complexity" status, it will mean the couple will not learn exactly what they are accused of until May at the earliest, and possibly much later.
It represents a serious blow to the McCanns, who were hoping to have their status as "arguidos" (official suspects) lifted early so they could concentrate on searching for their daughter. (Sunday Mail)