Phil Spector appealing murder conviction

Phil Spector is launching a third appeal against his conviction for murder.

The pop producer is currently serving a 19-year-to-life sentence for the second degree murder of 40-year-old actress Lana Clarkson in 2003, but his lawyers have lodged an appeal with judges in California asking for a third trial in the hope of overturning his conviction.

The 'River Deep, Mountain High' hitmaker's first trial in 2007 ended with jurors deadlocked, resulting in mistrial.

The 77-year-old star - famous for his eccentric wigs - was convicted in 2009, but lawyers claim the trial was prejudiced by five female witnesses who said they were victims of gun-related incidents with Spector from years previously.

The producer has always maintained Clarkson - who died from a gunshot wound - committed suicide.

Speaking on Tuesday (12.04.11), defence lawyer Dennis P. Riordan also claimed video footage of the first trial shown to the second jury was "improper", as Judge Larry Fidler described how a previous witness had said blood spatter at the scene of Clarkson's death. Riordan said this made the judge a witness, though presiding judge, Justice Joan Klein, disagreed.

Speaking after the hearing Lana's mother, Donna Clarkson, told ABC News: "It kind of brings it all up again. It's sad very sad for everyone."

Spector is being held at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran which he has compared to a "snake pit" in one letter send to a friend.

The Court's ruling as to whether a third appeal will be granted could take up to 90 days.