Stern keeps Dannielynn

Feb 27, 2007, 12:20 GMT

Virgie Arthur, the mother of the late celebrity Anna Nicole Smith, is consoled by Don Clark, an investigative strategist and consultant for Arthur\'s legal team, at a hearing in Broward County Circuit Court in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida REUTERS/Lou Toman/Sun-Sentinel/Pool

Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn is to remain in Howard K. Stern's care after a Bahamian judge adjourned the custody battle until next month.

The late model's mother, Virgie Arthur, and Anna Nicole's former lover, Larry Birkhead, both made custody claims during a Nassau court hearing yesterday (26.02.07).

The judge made no ruling, leaving the five-month-old baby with Stern - who is named as the father on the birth certificate.

Arthur's lawyer, John O'Quinn, requested a visitation right for the baby's grandmother but the judge said Stern must give permission.

O'Quinn said: "We want a visit with the baby and Stern won't let us."

Birkhead - who claims to be the biological father of Dannielyn - reportedly met her for the first time at Stern's Bahamian residence Horizons at the weekend.

Birkhead's lawyer, Debra Opri, previously said paternity and custody of the baby are not negotiable, but the photographer is believed to be consulting with Stern.

According to O'Quinn, Stern allegedly told Anna Nicole's mother: "I'll let you see her as well - if you give up your appeal."

The former Playboy Playmate died on February 8 but the courts have ruled her body can't be sent to the Bahamas for burial until the judges hear an appeal from Arthur, who wants to bury her daughter in her native Texas.

(C) BANG Media International