A former paparazzi friend of pop superstar Britney Spears -- inseparable from the singer in the last few years -- has received a three-year restraining order from her, a Los Angeles court said Wednesday.

Adnan Ghalib, a photographer who appeared alongside Spears in a series of public episodes leading to her hospitalization for psychiatric problems, was ordered to stay away from the singer and her family until March 2012.

Judge Aviva Bobb ruled in favor of an order brought by her father, Jamie Spears, the singer's legal representative.

Jamie Spears also sought court protection for his daughter from another of her former close friends, Osama "Sam" Lutfi, who has presented himself as the star's manager. The court will decide on April 1 in this case.

The 27-year-old singer is rebuilding her career after a prolonged period of turmoil in her private life following the 2006 split from ex-husband Kevin Federline.

She hit rock bottom in January last year when she was twice rushed to hospital for psychiatric treatment after losing custody of her two sons.

Source: AFP