Foxy Knoxy in the dock again as she battles murder verdict

The American student, known as Foxy Knoxy, was found guilty of killing the 21-year-old after what prosecutors claimed was a sex game which went wrong.

Knox and and her former lover Raffaele Sollecito were given prison sentences of 26 years and 25 years respectively last December.

Sollecito will appear alongside Knox as he also appeals his conviction for the murder.

The pair were last in court just over two weeks ago for a 15-minute hearing that dealt with technical matters.

Stepfather

Knox was supported by her stepfather Chris Mellas and friends from the US, who backed her bid to overturn her conviction.

Today's case is expected to cover preliminary matters.

Miss Kercher, from Coulsdon, Surrey, was found dead on November 2, 2007, in her bedroom at the house in the Umbrian hilltop town that she shared with Knox and others during her year abroad.

Her throat had been slit and her semi-naked body was partially covered by a duvet. Knox's lawyers believe they have new evidence to clear her of murder and will also try to introduce a new witness. They will also call for a review of the forensic evidence used in the trial, including the disputed traces of DNA found on a knife allegedly used in the murder, and on the clasp of Miss Kercher's bra.

But if Knox's appeal is rejected, she could face a longer sentence behind bars.

hnews@herald.ie