A Los Angeles judge ruled that a jury’s $3bn(£2.1bn) verdict against Philip Morris was excessive, but the tobacco giant will get a retrial only if the cancer-stricken plaintiff will not accept a settlement of $100m (£70m).

Philip Morris lawyers have urged a judge to slash a $3bn (£2.1bn) punitive damages award to a cancer-stricken smoker and to grant a retrial.