After she made a complaint against an Algarve lawyer

Fifty eight year old Serena Wylde, could face being locked up in jailed for a maximum of nine months if she is found guilty of aggravated criminal defamation, according to Fair Trials International.

According to the Press Association Ms Wylde wrote to the solicitor's regulatory body (the "Ordem dos Advogados") asking for disciplinary action to be taken against Pimenta de Almeida Borges, who is the son of a Supreme Court Judge in the country,following a dispute with a neighbour.

The OdA took no action against the solicitor but sent the letter on to the prosecutor's office. In February 2007 police officers arrived at her home in Praia da Luz and told her to report to police where she was charged.

Jago Russell, Chief Executive of Fair Trials International, told the Press Association that the case against Serena Wylde:
"flies in the face of free speech and puts those in positions of power beyond reproach."

Serena Wylde is said to be devastated with the charge.