Robert Blake's Holiday Home

Troubled actor Robert Blake has traded the jail cell where he spent almost a year for a luxury home in Malibu, California.

The BARETTA star, who still faces trial for allegedly killing his wife Bonny Lee Bakley, is living the high life while he awaits his fate.

The actor, who was back in court yesterday (10JUL03) - where he was granted a trial delay from October (03) to next February (04) - is allegedly renting a $1.5 million (GBP938,000) beachside home, which is owned by American radio legend CASEY KASEM.

The 69-year-old enjoys views of the Pacific - a far cry from the small cell in which he spent much of 2002 and part of this year while awaiting trial. Blake was released on $1 million (GBP625,000) bail in March (03).

A pal tells American tabloid GLOBE, "Robert went through hell in jail but now he feels he has died and gone to heaven."

It isn't a total joy for Blake - he's still under house arrest and cannot actually leave the property. He also has to wear a security tag on his ankle.