Britney: Lufti files objection
2008-03-19 10:12
Los Angeles - Britney Spears's friend Sam Lutfi has filed papers objecting to the Superior Court commissioner assigned to the pop star's conservatorship case.
Lutfi filed the papers on Friday, but was not present for a hearing on Monday at which Commissioner Reva Goetz extended a temporary restraining order against him until April 16.
His one-sentence filing said: "Please take notice that Osama "Sam" Lutfi will not stipulate to the above-referenced case being heard by Reva Goetz, commissioner presiding, to whom the above-entitled case has been assigned."
The document was signed and indicated Lutfi was representing himself.
Although the document was filed on Friday, it did not reach the courtroom in time for Monday's hearing, Superior Court spokesperson Allan Parachini said on Tuesday.
Parachini said Lutfi can appear in court on April 16 to ask for the case to be reassigned to a judge.
Commissioners perform many of the same duties as judges, but all parties have to agree to a commissioner hearing a case.
Michael Sands, a spokesperson for Lutfi, said during the weekend that Lutfi agreed to abide by the terms of the restraining order for another month.
The order directs Lutfi to stay at least 250 yards away from the pop star and her homes.
The order was requested by Spears's mother, Lynne, when Spears was hospitalised on a psychiatric hold at UCLA Medical Centre.
- AP