Spector faces new trial over death of actress

PHIL Spector, the legendary "Wall of Sound" music producer, is to face a retrial on a charge of murdering the actress Lana Clarkson, it was confirmed last night.

Spector's first trial in California ended in a mistrial last month when the jury were deadlocked 10-2, the majority favouring conviction. Lawyers were back in court yesterday, and the prosecutor Alan Jackson formally confirmed that Spector will be retried.

But Spector will be seeking a new legal team after Roger Rosen, his lead lawyer, announced that he would not be back for the second trial. Another member of the team, Christopher Plourd, said he would remain as counsel for a time.

Spector, 67, is accused of murdering Miss Clarkson, 40, on 3 February, 2003, at his California mansion. She died of a gunshot fired inside her mouth while seated.