Phil Spector's murder trial took a dramatic twist yesterday when his former lawyer was accused of stealing a vital piece of evidence from the crime scene. Greg Diamond, who once worked with the music producer's legal team, told a special hearing without the jury that Sara Caplan stole a piece of tooth or nail that had been missed by police in Spector's foyer.

Diamond contacted prosecutors last month hinting he had information on the case and was subsequently ordered to appear before the court by Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler.

He claims he visited the crime scene with Caplan, forensic pathologist Dr Michael Baden and others and witnessed Caplan pick up a small white object and hand it to Baden. Diamond added, "Dr Baden did make mention of what the item was. He said it was a fragment of a tooth."

Baden, who was also called to give evidence, denied ever seeing or receiving any potential piece of evidence.

Spector is accused of the fatal shooting of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found slumped in the foyer of his Los Angeles home in February 2003. He has pleaded not guilty and claims Clarkson committed suicide.

In 2004, prosecutors demanded Spector's lawyers hand over a piece of Clarkson's fingernail they believed had been found by the defense team at the crime scene. However, Spector's representatives denied its existence.

The trial continues on Monday.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)