Spector's lawyer wins more time to prepare

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Phil Spector's retrial will not begin for at least five months because his new attorney insists he needs more time to prepare.

Doron Weinberg stated last week he would need a minimum of four months to sort out the case, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Los Angeles County Superior Judge Larry Paul Fidler then instructed the lawyers to appear before the bench May 22 to discuss a possible start date for the retrial.

The famed record producer stands accused of killing actress Lana Clarkson, a woman he reportedly knew only a few hours, in his home in February 2003.

Spector's first trial, which lasted four months, ended in a hung jury this year.

Prosecutors had argued Spector shot Clarkson when she tried to leave, while defense attorneys said the actress shot herself.