Sex charge players must wait for ruling

Three Leicester City players face an agonising delay before a final decision is made on whether they stand trial on sex assault charges in southern Spain.

The investigation has been put back because of the Madrid train bombings, it emerged today.

Forensic science experts from across Spain were drafted in to help with the huge inquiry into last month's atrocity. As a result inquiries into other cases were given lower priority.

Paul Dickov, 31, Keith Gillespie, 29, and Frank Sinclair, 32, were all bailed at a court hearing in March. They face allegations of sexual assault against three German women, allegedly committed-at the five-star Hyatt Regency hotel in La Manga.

Legal sources in Madrid now say it could be some time before the scientific analysis is completed. Investigating magistrate Jacinto Areste is awaiting the results of tests.

Court officials in Cartagena say no final decision has been made on whether the players should face trial. However, one legal source said it was increasingly likely they would.

All three men deny the charges but face up to 12 years in jail if convicted of rape.