Phil Spector has been convicted of second degree murder following the brutal death of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson in 2003.

After two trials, lasting a total of more than 10 months, Spector was found guilty of shooting the actress in the mouth at his California home.

The six men and six women of the jury reached their verdict within nine days.

The first trial, which took place in 2007 was dismissed after jurors split 10-2 in favour of a conviction.

Spector's defence team claimed that Lana killed herself because she was depressed over her fading film career.

Spector arriving at a Los Angeles area court on Monday, minutes before the jury found him guilty of second degree murder for the 2003 death of Lana Clarkson

The Daily Mail reports that his chauffeur Adriano de Souza testified that he heard Spector saying: "I think I just killed somebody," not shortly after Lana was found dead.

The respected song writer worked with the likes of the Beatles, Tina Turner, The Ronettes and the Righteous Brothers.

He faces eighteen years in prison.