Judge tries to settle Harrison autograph row

A judge in a New York court has urged George Harrison's family and the doctor they allege forced the dying star to autograph a guitar, to settle their differences.

Lawyers for the late Beatle's estate and Dr Gilbert Lederman, who treated the musician before he died of cancer in November 2001, held talks with the judge who believes that the reputation and dignity of all concerned is best preserved by trying to reach a settlement.

George Harrison's family has sued Lederman, accusing him of holding Harrison's hand and forcing him to sign the physician's son's guitar.

The star died about two weeks after the signing.