No lesser charge in Spector trial

The music producer denies shooting actress Lana Clarkson

The judge in music producer Phil Spector's murder trial has dropped plans to offer a manslaughter charge.

Jurors returned to court on Wednesday after indicating that they could not reach a verdict, but were sent home in the afternoon as deadlock continued.

Mr Spector, 67, famous for his work with The Beatles, Tina Turner and Cher, is accused of shooting actress Lana Clarkson, 40, at his home in 2003.

Judge Larry Fidler said it would be "inappropriate" to alter the charge.

He said he did not want to be "basically directing" jurors towards a verdict.

However, his decision means it is unclear immediately how the trial will now proceed.

He made his ruling after hearing arguments from prosecution lawyers that a charge of manslaughter should be considered, and from defence lawyers, who opposed that idea.

On Tuesday, after a week of deliberations, the jury foreman at LA Superior Court said the panel was split seven to five.

The foreman did not reveal which way the jury was leaning following the five-month trial.

Influential figure

Mr Spector's lawyers have argued that Ms Clarkson's death was a case of suicide rather than murder.

Lana Clarkson was killed by a bullet fired from a gun inside her mouth

The actress went to Mr Spector's California home on the night of her death and was killed by a bullet fired from a gun inside her mouth.

Her acting career had hit the rocks after appearing in cult 1980s films such as Barbarian Queen and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Mr Spector is regarded as one of rock music's most influential figures, known for his pioneering of the echo-laden "Wall of Sound" recording technique.

He produced hits like You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by the Righteous Brothers and The Ronettes' Be My Baby.