Ibrahim Halawa’s family have spoken of their heartbreak after a verdict in his trial in Egypt was delayed.

The 21-year-old Dubliner has been held in a Cairo jail since his arrest during demonstrations against the ousting of former-President Mohammed Morsi in August 2013.

He has now spent almost four years in prison - amid continued delays to a mass trial that involves more than 490 other defendants.

It was widely expected that a verdict would be handed down on Monday; however that decision has now been delayed until the 18th of September.

This afternoon, speaking publicly for the first time since the verdict was delayed; Somaia Halawa said her brother’s continued absence will be keenly felt tomorrow – as the family celebrates the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

“Tomorrow is the feast,” she said. “So imagine if you are the family; tomorrow you are celebrating Christmas with someone missing from the family.”

“You just feel like a part of your body is not there.

“Tomorrow is the ninth feast that we have celebrated – but yet Ibrahim is not there.”

The family’s solicitor Darragh Mackin urged the Government to change its tack if there is no progression at the next court date - and issue legal proceedings against the Egyptian State.