Amanda Knox has seen her hopes of freedom delayed further as experts were granted three months to review crucial evidence used to convict her for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher.

The 23-year-old American, dubbed 'Foxy Knoxy' (pictured), hopes an analysis of disputed DNA traces found on a knife and on the clasp of Kercher's bra will help clear her name.

But an independent forensic team have now been given 90 days to conduct their examination, meaning she may not learn her fate until the summer.

Knox, who is appealing her conviction, appeared tense as she arrived in court in the Italian hilltop town of Perugia.

Speaking after the hearing, her stepfather Chris Mellas said she was increasingly concerned for her future but insisted the developments were "definitely a step in the right direction".

"We support anything they want to do in order to reach the truth," he said.