Spector jury not to consider manslaughter

The jury in the Phil Spector murder trial has been told by the judge that it is not to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter because it would be "inappropriate".

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler has insisted that the panel should only consider the charge of second-degree murder over the death of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found shot dead at Spector's LA home in 2003.

The music producers lawyers have claimed that Clarkson was depressed and that she shot herself. The jury earlier this week admitted that it had reached a seven-to-five impasse, causing the judge to possibly consider offering the lesser charge.

But Judge Fidler has decided against the jury deliberating over the charge of manslaughter, saying: "I do accept that it would be inappropriate at this time to instruct the jury with a new offence, that being the lesser offence of manslaughter, because I believe it's basically directing them, if at all possible, that's what they should find. And that is inappropriate."

The jury foreman has told the judge that he can not see the impasse being resolved and suggested that the jury members are disagreeing about facts in the case.