Accused Spector 'was not himself'

Mr Spector was said to have visited several nightspots before the death

Music producer Phil Spector was "not his usual self" before a woman was shot at his California mansion, his murder trial has been told.

Rommie Davis, a friend of Mr Spector, told the Los Angeles court he was drinking on top of taking medication.

On three nights before the shooting, the 67-year-old producer was withdrawn and not the "fun" person she was used to, Ms Davis said.

Mr Spector denies killing actress Lana Clarkson at his home in February 2003.

'No gun'

Ms Davis said: "He was not his usual self.

"He was not interested in what I had to say. In all the time I went out with him, he was great fun to be with. This weekend, the behaviour was totally different."

Under cross-examination, she admitted she did not remember whether Mr Spector finished both drinks he ordered and could not tell whether he was drunk.

She also said she never saw him in possession of a gun and that he never threatened her.

Late night

On the night of the shooting, the court heard that Mr Spector dropped Ms Davis off at her home then went on with another friend, Kathy Sullivan.

Ms Sullivan testified that by 0200, they were in the House of Blues club and she wanted to go home.

She said Mr Spector seemed annoyed and enlisted Ms Clarkson, who was a waitress at the venue, to help her into a car.

The trial continues.