But at 11.05am prosecutor Timothy Langdale, QC, who had almost come to the end of his opening speech, was passed a yellow Post-It note. He Immediately halted his address and, turning to the judge, said a matter needed to be "tended to urgently". There were sighs from the press bench and public gallery.

On the seats reserved for family, Sarah's dad Michael and grandad Terry looked anxious. The barristers retired, police went into a huddle and defendant Roy Whiting was taken to the cells. Sara had been hurriedly escorted to a witness waiting room.

As the 15 minutes stretched into 45, Michael looked more and more worried. No doubt his thoughts were with his wife who, the day before, had endured six tense hours waiting to be called. His dad put a hand on his arm and there were whispers of: "What's going on?"

About 12.30pm the barristers and jury returned and Judge Richard Curtis said the trial was to be halted. Michael seemed about to burst into tears and clasped his hands to his face, looking utterly wretched.

His stepmother Lesley shook her head in disbelief. When the news was broken to Sara by a detective she reacted angrily and made for the main front door. As she was Joined by Michael they clung to each other for support. Then, wtth her head held high, she went out to brave the cameras once more.