'No evidence' to convict Spector

Mr Spector could face life in prison if convicted

Prosecutors in the trial of US music producer Phil Spector presented mere "speculation" about who shot an actress dead at his home, the defence said.

In her closing statement, lawyer Linda Kenney-Baden said the prosecution had put on a "stage-show" trial to cover up the lack of scientific evidence.

She urged jurors to acquit her client, concluding: "This case exemplifies reasonable doubt."

Mr Spector denies killing Lana Clarkson in 2003, arguing that she shot herself.

Speculation and salacious scandal fit only for gossip rags, replaces the lack of forensic evidence Defence lawyer Linda Kenney

Ms Clarkson's body was found in the foyer of the 67-year-old's Californian home.

Judge Larry Fidler said he would instruct the jury on Monday, after which it will retire to start considering its verdict.

Mr Spector, famous for pioneering the "Wall of Sound" recording technique in the 1960s, faces between 15 years and life in prison if convicted.

'Salacious scandal'

Ms Kenney-Baden urged the nine-man, three-woman jury to acquit Mr Spector, insisting that the scientific evidence indicated that Ms Clarkson had pulled the trigger.

Ms Kenney-Baden said the absence of blood spatter on the jacket worn by Mr Spector on the night of the death showed that he could not have shot the actress.

The police wanted this to be the first celebrity notch on their belt Defence lawyer Linda Kenney

"Those sleeves by themselves prove Phillip is innocent," she said.

The defence lawyer accused the prosecution of putting on a "stage-show" trial to cover up the lack of scientific evidence.

"Cute jokes, tall tales, theatrics, what ifs, possibilities, embellishments, speculation and salacious scandal fit only for gossip rags, replaces the lack of forensic evidence," she said.

She told the Los Angeles court: "[The police] made up their institutional mind on day one that this must be a murder. They wanted this to be the first celebrity notch on their belt."

During the five-month trial, the defence team called several high-profile forensic experts who testified that Mr Spector was unlikely to have fired the fatal shot.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Alan Jackson told jurors in his closing arguments: "You know in your heart of hearts he is responsible for her death. He killed her."

Mt Jackson accused the defence team of waging a "chequebook defence".

"If you hire enough experts, you can get them to say anything you want," he said.