NEWSJudge Extends Sam's Restraining Order
Feb. 22 2008, Published 4:47 a.m. ET
In an apparant win for the conservatorship of Britney Spears, a federal judge extended the restraining order late Thursday against Sam Lutfi until March 17. TMZ is reporting the two-page order, by U.S. District Judge Phillip Gutierrez, was in response to a request by Britney's father, Jamie Spears, who is co-conservator of her $100 million estate.
Jamie had asked the judge to extend the temporary restraining order---and set to expire a day later on Friday--until the judge rules on an unusual civil rights challenge to the conservatorship.
The temporary restraining order could be extended at a March 17 hearing, but Jamie Spears would have to be able to successfully serve Lutfi with notice of the hearing.
The judge also ruled that Sam Lutfi was properly served on Thursday (there was confusion over whether the papers were valid because they were served past the original deadline.) Under the temporary restraining order, Sam must stay at least 250 yards away from Britney, her homes, the Spears family and their homes. He is also forbidden any phone contact with the troubled pop star.
