McCartney divorce back in court

Sir Paul arrived at the High Court wearing a dark suit

The Beatle and the model

Sir Paul and Heather Mills McCartney have been at the High Court in London to try to reach a divorce settlement.

There was no news on any agreement at the end of proceedings. Reports suggested the key issue was likely to be the size of the settlement.

Sir Paul left court at about 1840 BST, giving his familar "V" sign as he went past photographers.

Lady McCartney, who had arrived in the morning with a blanket over her head, shielded her face as she left later.

Both had used judges' entrances to enter court on Thursday morning, avoiding contact with the media.

As the time approached for the beginning of the hearing, officials barricaded the entrance to court 16 with four office chairs.

Even the small spy hole in the door of the court had been covered to stop prying eyes.

Estimated fortune

Sir Paul and Lady McCartney, who have a three-year-old daughter named Beatrice, announced in May 2006 that they were ending their four-year marriage.

With the former Beatle's fortune estimated at £825m, it has the potential to be the most costly divorce in British legal history.

Press speculation has suggested the settlement could reach £60m, exceeding the record £48m businessman John Charman was told to pay his former wife in May this year.

In January, Lady McCartney's lawyers denied she had agreed to a financial settlement worth £32m.

The couple were last at the High Court in March for a preliminary hearing.