Student killer denies slandering police in Italy

The 23-year-old American maintains she was trying to defend herself and did not mean to slander anybody. Knox had claimed she was beaten by police during questioning over the murder of Leeds University student Meredith Kercher, 21, three years ago.

Police have denied misconduct. A judge issued the indictment ruling after a hearing behind closed-doors in Perugia.

Knox is serving a 26-year prison term and could face another six years for slander. The charge would be impossible to make in Britain or the US where statements in open court are protected from prosecution

Her appeal is due to begin on November 24.