Trial opens for NY socialite heir

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The trial of the heir to one of America's most tremendous family fortunes opened in New York on Monday.

Anthony Marshall stands accused of defrauding his mother, the socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor, before her death in 2007.

Mr Marshall has pleaded not guilty, arguing that his mother willingly gave the riches he inherited.

He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted on charges which include fraud and grand larceny.

Prosecutors say that Mr Marshall exploited his mother's declining mental state to secure for himself millions of dollars of inheritance that were intended to go to charity.

She was reportedly suffering from Alzheimer's disease when she made the relevant amendments to her will.

It is alleged that he got help from his lawyer, Francis Morrissey, who is also standing trial.

"This case is about greed, the greed of two men... to increase their wealth," Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Loewy told the court.

The trial could see a procession of celebrity witnesses taking the stand, including the journalist Barbara Walters, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Family feud

The prosecution follows allegations of neglect made in 2006 by Mrs Astor's grandson, Philip Marshall.

Brooke Astor was at the centre of a bitter legal battle before she died

He accused his father of neglecting Mrs Astor and keeping her in squalid conditions.

Mr Marshall denied the accusations and the case was settled out of court, with guardianship of Mrs Astor given to her friend Annette de la Renta, wife of fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.

The prosecution claims that Mrs Astor and Anthony Marshall were not close because she disapproved of his marriage.

Brooke Astor donated more than $195m (£97m) to New York's cultural institutions and charity projects.

She reportedly lived by the motto: "Money is like manure, it should be spread around."