Phil Spector’s tragic fall from grace

Phil Spector learnt this weekend that he’s likely to die in prison. The 68 year-old legendary producer has just been convicted of second-degree murder for shooting the actor Lana Clarkson in 2003, and can expect at least an 18-year sentence. Pic: PA Photos

Phil Spector was finally found guilty of second degree murder this weekend. The prosecution in his second trial for the killing of Lana Clarkson portrayed him as a gun-obsessed misogynist who liked “playing Russian roulette with the lives of women”. Pic: PA Photos

Phil Spector’s recent trial was a much quieter affair than the first time he went to court; this time he swapped his coterie of security and lawyers for just his wife Rachelle, who sobbed as the guilty verdict was reached. Pic: PA Photos

Childhood bullying and his father’s suicide have both been cited as possible reasons for Phil Spector’s violent tendencies. His first trial for murder ended with a hung jury. After deliberating for 12 days the jury couldn’t move from a 10-2 majority to a guilty verdict of unanimity. Pic: PA Photos

Spector changed legal teams between the two trials, and his lawyer told the judge he needed six months to familiarise himself with the case. During this time he lived on bail in his 33-room turreted mansion in the LA suburbs. Pic: PA Photos

Phil Spector first found fame as a record producer in the early ’60’s. He pioneered the “wall of sound” approach and was behind a series of hit records, including The Ronettes’ ‘Be My Baby’ and The Righteous Brothers’ ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”. Pic: PA Photos

The ’60s were a fruitful time for Spector. He produced a string of classic records including The Righteous Brothers’ ‘[Unchained Melody’ and Ike and Tina Turner’s ‘River Deep-Mountain High’. Pic: PA Photos