Monmouth woman's trial in Portugal delayed by "translator problems"

Sophie Grey, from Monmouth, is on trial along with her boyfriend and another man after arrests in connection with an alleged assault on a police officer in April.

The 25-year-old spent more than three months in a Portuguese prison before the trial.

Despite being released in August, her bail conditions mean she has been unable to return to the UK.

The trial was opened on September 22 and has also heard from defence witnesses on October 2.

Ms Grey's father, Roger Grey, said they had understood the trial would conclude in early October.

However, he says due to difficulties organising a translator for witnesses to give evidence, it will now rumble on until at least October 24.

"It is ridiculous," he said.

"The theory was that the trial would open on September 22 and that the defence witnesses would give evidence from October 2.

"What has happened in reality is that there has been a problem with organising the translator so some witnesses could not be called."

Mr Grey said he understands there are remaining prosecution witnesses still to give evidence.

He is now hopeful that the trial, taking place at a court in Sintra, Portugal, will conclude towards the end of this month.

Mr Grey previously said his daughter had been charged with assault, which she denies.

It is in relation to an incident where Ms Grey found her boyfriend and another friend being detained by police near Lisbon in April.

Afterwards, Ms Grey was locked in prison with the family saying she had little idea of the exact charge.

Monmouth MP David Davies intervened by asking UK officials and Boris Johnson to look into the case.

The MP previously said he was “outraged” by the situation.

After her release from prison, Ms Grey stayed in a rented house in Portugal.

Her bail conditions allowed her to travel to any of the Schengen Area Countries which do not include the UK.

Mr Grey said that her daughter is now coping well with the situation.