LOS ANGELES — Music producer Phil Spector was convicted yesterday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a film actress at his mansion six years ago, a verdict that will send him to prison for at least 18 years barring a successful appeal.

A Superior Court jury returned the verdict after about 30 hours of deliberations. The panel also found Spector guilty of using a firearm in committing a crime.

His attorney argued that he should remain free on bail pending the May 29 sentencing, but Judge Larry Paul Fidler remanded him to jail immediately.

The 40-year-old Lana Clarkson, star of the 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen," died of a gunshot fired in her mouth as she sat in the foyer of Spector's mansion in 2003, only hours after meeting Spector.

GIBSON'S WIFE FILES FOR DIVORCE

LOS ANGELES — Mel Gibson's wife of 28 years filed for divorce yesterday, citing irreconcilable differences.

Robyn Gibson filed the petition, which offers no details of the breakup, in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The couple have seven children. Robyn Gibson has requested joint custody of their 10-year-old son.

Robyn Gibson is seeking earnings and assets she accrued after the couple separated, and a share of the money and assets Gibson, 53, has earned as a Hollywood hitmaker. She also wants the actor-director to pay spousal support and her attorney's fees.

MADONNA STILL SEEKS TO ADOPT ORPHAN GIRL

BLANTYRE, Malawi — Madonna has told a newspaper in Malawi she still wants to adopt a girl from the poor African nation despite legal obstacles, to educate her and empower her to help people in her country.

The pop star told The Nation that she would appeal a court ruling that denied her the right to adopt 3-year-old orphan Chifundo "Mercy" James, because she hasn't lived in Malawi.

"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible," Madonna said.

ANOTHER DUGGAR ON THE WAY

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Josh and Anna Duggar are following in the family tradition.

Josh Duggar, 21, the eldest of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's 18 children, announced yesterday he and his wife, Anna, are about to start their own brood. The couple, who were married in September, said Anna Duggar, 20, is due Oct. 18. The Duggars live in Arkansas and are featured on TLC's "18 Kids and Counting."