Kate and Gerry McCann Risk Fresh Libel Trial Delay Because Goncalo Amaral Lawyer 'Doesn't Use Email or Phone'

Kate and Gerry McCann are fearful about going to Lisbon for a libel trial because of more bizarre behaviour from Goncalo Amaral.

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann fear yet more heartache when they arrive in Portugal tomorrow (Tuesday) for the often-adjourned case.

The last time they went to Lisbon the proceedings were postponed at the last minute when Amaral dismissed his lawyer inside the court, leaving Kate and Gerry fuming outside.

But they remain hopeful of winning the defamation case against Amaral over his claim in a banned book that Madeleine died in an accident in 2007 and they subsequently hid the body.

Amaral's unorthodox tactics in his defence have not stopped, with Madeleine's family being told his new lawyer cannot be contacted because he doesn't use 'phone or email.'

Being unable to contact the other party hampers efforts to prepare for the case.

A source close to Madeleine's parents said: "Kate and Gerry have been told Mr Amaral has appointed a new lawyer but he doesn't use email or phone. How he can operate like this in the modern era is beyond belief.

"They wouldn't be surprised if Mr Amaral pulls another stunt to try and stall the case yet again."

Despite the risk of being stood up in court again, the McCanns do intend to travel to Lisbon for the hearing on Tuesday.

Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell added: "Kate and Gerry are planning to attend court on Tuesday as required by the judge.

"They believe they have a very strong case against Mr Amaral and they expect to win their claim."

The McCanns are suing Amaral for libel over his book 'The Truth of the Lie,' which is banned from publication in Britain because of its incendiary claim that Kate and Gerry know what happened to Madeleine.