Ban imposed on Spears' ex-manager

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A US judge has ordered Britney Spears' former manager Sam Lutfi to stay away from the star for three years.

Lawyer Jon Eardley was also told not to contact the singer, threaten her, or attempt to act on her sons' behalf.

But the Los Angeles Superior Court's orders were not extended to her father Jamie, who is looking after the affairs of the 27-year-old.

Both Lutfi and Eardley have said they will appeal against the rulings, which were recommended by Spears' lawyer.

Samuel Ingham, who was appointed by the court on the star's behalf, said the move was in her "best interests".

'Predators'

Spears' father and his legal team began moves to seek protection from the two men in January, arguing they had conspired with the singer's former boyfriend Adnan Ghalib to undermine Mr Spears' control of her interests.

Last month, Ghalib was issued with a three-year restraining order by the courts.

In a series of hearings, Spears' hairdresser testified that the singer had told her she was scared of Lutfi.

But the pop star did not appear in court, despite petitions from both Lutfi and Eardley.

Mr Spears' lawyer Joel Boxer said the restraining order request was necessary to protect the singer from "people who I think are fairly characterised as predators".

Lutfi's lawyer said that Spears had asked for his help and he had simply obliged.

"Never before in the history of the world has a restraining order been issued against someone who merely responded to cries for help," Bryan J Freedman said.

Last month, Eardley challenged the legitimacy of Jamie Spears' conservatorship in legal papers.

He claims the star's father is misusing a statute meant for the elderly or severely disabled adults to protect a singer who is currently on an international concert tour.