The family of murdered Canadian teenager Rebecca Middleton must wait several weeks to find out if fresh charges can be pressed against suspects in the case.

Top human rights lawyer Cherie Booth called, during a Supreme Court hearing that ended this morning, for Kirk Mundy and Justis Smith to be charged with sexual assault, kidnap and torture since the original murder case against them was bungled.

The appeal was sparked by the decision of Director of Public Prosecutions Vinette Graham-Allen that although mistakes had been made in the past in handling the 11-year-old case, the men should not face fresh proceedings.

In her closing remarks to Supreme Court this morning Ms Booth — the wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair — asked Chief Justice Richard Ground to "look at the special circumstances of this unique case". She added that it was important the Island's justice system "does the right thing".

However, Charles Richardson, lawyer for Mundy, stressed his client has only ever been convicted of being an accessory to the crime — which was the result of a plea bargain struck with prosecutors after his arrest. Mr. Richardson said the agreement this would be the only charge remained in place.

He added that publicity generated by the case in Bermuda as well as Canada meant his client could not have a fair trial if new charges were pressed.

"The pulse of public opinion in this country already has my client convicted of murder," he claimed.

Mr. Justice Ground said he would deliver his decision on whether the prosecutor was right or wrong later, and it would take at least three weeks.

See tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette for full coverage of this case.