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Thursday, 6 March 2008, 12:25 GMT

Stallone could be trial witness

Sylvester Stallone Actor Sylvester Stallone and comedian Chris Rock are among stars on a list of potential witnesses in the wiretapping trial of a US celebrity private eye.

Anthony Pellicano is accused of illegally obtaining details about his Hollywood clients' rivals to make threats and blackmail people.

The witness list made by prosecutors includes 127 people.

Mr Pellicano will be representing himself in the Los Angeles trial, which began on Thursday.

It is expected to last up to 10 weeks.

Also named on the witness list as alleged victims were comedian Garry Shandling, actress Farrah Fawcett and Universal Studios president Ron Meyer.

Racketeering scheme

Prosecutors accuse Mr Pellicano of running a criminal enterprise that tapped phones and bribed police to provide him with confidential information that could be used to gain advantage in divorce, business and other cases.

The prosecution estimate Mr Pellicano, a retired Los Angeles policeman and former telephone company employee, collected nearly $2m (£1m) from what they say was a racketeering scheme.

Following a police investigation dating back to 2002, 14 people have been charged - with seven already pleading guilty - to a variety of charges including perjury and conspiracy.

Mr Pellicano and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to 110 counts of racketeering and conspiracy indictment.

If found guilty, Mr Pellicano could face life imprisonment.




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Related to this story:
Stars' detective takes on defence (06 Jan 07 |  Entertainment )
Stars' private eye plans defence (21 Mar 06 |  Entertainment )


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