PORTLAND — The derailed trial of Mark Strong Sr., the first major courtroom showdown in the Kennebunk prostitution scandal since it broke last year, remained off the tracks Sunday with no clear answer on what’s next.

Prosecutors immediately appeal the decision by Justice Nancy Mills, and the trial against defendant Mark Strong Sr. in the Kennebunk case grinds to a halt.

Justice Nancy Mills spoke from the bench briefly Thursday morning after an attorney for the Portland Press Herald appeared to argue that the jury selection process should be opened.

A jury may be seated by Thursday morning in the prostitution case, followed by opening arguments.

The Press Herald files an objection with the court, saying the judge’s decision violates the First and Sixth Amendments.

And in a ‘bittersweet’ ruling, Daniel Lilley loses his bid to withdraw as Mark Strong’s defense attorney. The trial starts Tuesday.

If the plea talks fall through, Mark Strong Sr. is scheduled to stand trial Tuesday in York County Superior Court.

With Mark Strong Sr.’s trial scheduled to start Tuesday, Daniel Lilley says his client can no longer afford to pay him.

Up against testimony from his young son, jurors quickly convict Joel Hayden of killing his friend and girlfriend.