Spears to remain in father's care

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Britney Spears' father will retain control over the singer's affairs until the end of the year, says a US court.

James Spears was granted control of his daughter's assets in February after she was admitted to a psychiatric ward.

The Los Angeles court also heard that Ms Spears did not want to extend a restraining order against her former manager, Osama "Sam" Lutfi.

James Spears' lawyer said a "private agreement" had been reached with Mr Lutfi, and no court action was needed.

Neither the singer nor her father were in court for Thursday's hearing.

'Reluctant'

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz said he understood that Britney Spears was "reluctantly agreeing" to the extension to her father's conservatorship over her affairs.

He scheduled the next review of the case for October, and it is possible that the arrangement could be ended at that time.

Britney Spears' lawyer Samuel Ingham said that conservatorship gave her father sufficient powers to ensure that her former manager stayed away from her.

Mr Ingham said the 26-year-old star did not want to be "further harassed" by Mr Lutfi.

The order required Mr Lutfi to stay 250 yards (230 metres) away from Ms Spears.

Ms Spears' mother, Lynne, obtained the restraining order in a Los Angeles court in February after claiming Mr Lutfi had been controlling her daughter's life by drugging her and taking control of her finances.

"If Mr Lutfi makes any future attempt to contact Britney after the temporary conservatorship has concluded, Britney has made clear she will take all appropriate legal action," wrote Mr Ingham.