Richie drink-driving hearing postponed

Reality TV star Nicola Richie's drink-driving trial has been postponed again after the socialite's legal team filed a motion in court on Tuesday.

The Simple Life star was due to appear in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday to contest a driving under the influence charge relating to a December 2006 arrest.

But a judge has instead ordered lawyers to return to court on Wednesday to debate when the hearing can be held.

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Jane Robison says: "The trial will not happen on Wednesday. Richie's attorney filed a motion… stating that their key witness, a drug expert, was unavailable for trial."

Richie already has a 2003 misdemeanour DUI conviction.