Evidence hidden in Spector trial

Dr Henry Lee is a renowned forensic scientist

The judge in the murder trial of music producer Phil Spector has ruled that forensic expert Dr Henry Lee hid a piece of evidence from the prosecution.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler did not hold Dr Lee in contempt but said prosecutors could raise the issue of the missing item before the jury.

The prosecution claims the item is a piece of fingernail belonging to Lana Clarkson, who died in February 2003.

Mr Spector, 67, denies murder. The defence say Clarkson shot herself.

The judge rejected the prosecution's request to tell jurors that Dr Lee was not a credible witness, saying he would allow them to make that decision for themselves.

OJ Simpson trial

He added that Dr Lee's denials under oath that he withheld evidence were not credible.

Sara Caplan, a former lawyer for Mr Spector, and private investigator Stan White testified that Dr Lee had recovered a small white object from the rock producer's foyer.

The judge said he found Ms Caplan's testimony the most credible.

"If I have to choose between the two of you, I am going to choose Ms Caplan as more credible than Dr Lee. Dr Lee has a lot to lose if this turns out to be true," he said.

Dr Lee is best known for testifying for the defence in the OJ Simpson murder trial.

The forensic expert could not immediately be contacted following the ruling.

Mr Spector's trial continues.