Britney Spears like a 'prisoner' says Sam Lutfi

Apr 2, 2009, 9:15 GMT

Britney Spears. The pop superstar\'s former manager Sam Lutfi has told Los Angeles Superior Court the star is suffering "emotional distress" under her father\'s strict conservatorship.© Daniel Locke / PR Photos

Britney Spears is a "prisoner" in her own life.

The pop superstar's former manager Sam Lutfi has told Los Angeles Superior Court the star is suffering "emotional distress" under her father's strict conservatorship.

Britney's father Jamie was given control of the singer's personal and financial affairs last year and quickly took out a restraining order against Lutfi.

In the current court hearing, Jamie is seeking to extend the order because he claims Lutfi is still harassing his daughter and conspiring to disrupt his legal control over her.

Lutfi's younger sister Christina also gave evidence in court yesterday (01.04.09), claiming Britney asked her to buy a cell phone and sneak it into the Beverly Hills Hotel where she was staying.

Christina said: "Britney told me she wanted to get a hold of Sam. She wanted him to help her find a lawyer, and wanted someone to get a prepaid cell phone to her.

"She was scared because her father was blackmailing her with visitation rights over her kids."

The 27-year-old singer allegedly told Christina to meet her in the gym at the Peninsula Hotel. Christina claims she gave Britney the phone in the sauna, and then watched her hide it in a locker.

Christina added: "She asked me, 'Will Sam be able to help me?'"

The phone was later discovered by her security team and confiscated.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jamie's lawyer Blair Berk testified that Britney "was in such fear of Sam, she asked if I could get him arrested, to keep him away from her".

Berk denied Britney was unhappy under the conservatorship and insisted she is not seeking outside legal help.

He also claimed an internet sound clip - which purports to be a recording of Britney asking for a lawyer's help to escape her father's control - was not made by the singer.

Closing arguments in the restraining order case will be heard on April 21 and Lutfi is forbidden to contact Britney until then.

Meanwhile, Britney has reportedly found love with her agent Jason Trawick.

An insider said: "Britney and Jason have been an item for quite a few months now. They are trying to keep it quiet in Hollywood because it's not a good reputation for an agent to have."

Jamie is said to be thrilled with his daughter's new relationship.

The source added: "Jamie really likes Jason. He has done everything he can to get them together.

"Jamie controls exactly who is around Britney and has allowed Jason one hundred per cent access to Britney at all times. Within their circle Jason and Britney are quite open and kiss in front of people they trust."