Alec Baldwin manslaughter trial over Rust set shooting to begin today

US actor Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial over the fatal shooting of Hayla Hutchens is set to begin today.

Baldwin was pointing a prop gun in the direction of the cinematographer on the set of the film Rust in New Mexico three years ago. It fired a live round, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza

The actor says he was unaware that the gun was loaded and that he didn’t pull the trigger. Live bullets are also banned from film sets, with Baldwin adding that it wasn’t his responsibility to check if the gun was loaded.

Prosecutors claim that the Hollywood Star was engaging in reckless behaviour, with footage of Baldwin showing him pressuring the movie’s armorer Hannah Gutierrez to hurry up as she was reloading guns between scenes.

“To watch Mr Baldwin’s conduct on the set of Rust is to witness a man who has absolutely no control of his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his conduct affects those around him,” said prosecutor Kari Morrissey.

Earlier this year, Gutierrez was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Jury selection is due to begin today, with opening arguments expected to come on Wednesday. If found guilty, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.

The case is taking place at the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico in Santa Fe - 20 miles northeast of the shooting. Proceedings are expected to last ten days.

Filming of Rust was halted by Hutchins’ death, but eventually completed last year in Montana.