Near settlement: The bitter case between Christie Brinkley and her husband almost reached a settlement but the model later said 'we're going back into trail'

The bitter divorce battle between former supermodel Christie Brinkley and  her architect husband Peter Cook was briefly adjourned yesterday  amid  rumours that they were close to reaching a settlement.

But after a three-hour break the warring couple returned to the Central  Islip, Long Island, courthouse where they’ve been airing their dirty laundry  for the past week.

Asked outside the court if a settlement was close, Miss Brinkley said: 'We’ re going back in to trial. But I remain hopeful.'

The increasingly bitter case, which is expected to last a month, has  riveted America.   The 10-year marriage ended abruptly when Miss Brinkley discovered Cook was having an affair with his teenage personal assistant.

The former Sports Illustrated model, 54, cried constantly over four days  of testimony as she told how her “near perfect” world was further shattered  when she found out about Cook’s secret £1,800 a month porn habit.

The baby faced former male model had posted naked pictures of himself on  the internet and was advertising for sex partners.

She claimed she paid for everything during the 10-year marriage, including  her own flowers on Mother’s Day.

Cook gave his 18-year—old lover Diana Bianchi  £150,000 “shut-up”  money when the affair ended. 

But she was dragged into court by Miss Brinkley and revealed how Cook had  given her £7,000 to buy a car and left her hundreds of dollars cash  hidden about his office and under a rock.           

Four times married Miss Brinkley – the inspiration for second husband Billy  Joel’s hit 'Uptown Girl' - fought to have the case heard in public claiming  her children needed to know why they broke up.

The couple both want sole custody of 13-year-old Jack – adopted by Cook  when the boy’s father Rick Taubman gave up visitation rights -- and 10-year-old  Sailor.

They are also fighting over the ownership of three yachts and several  investment properties Miss Brinkley bought for her 49-year-old husband to  renovate. 

Cook’s lawyer Norman Sheresky, who has constantly appeared on television  chat shows over the past week to deride Miss Brinkley, refused to comment  yesterday on settlement talks.