Trial opens against Britney Spears' parents

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Britney Spears' former confidante was made a scapegoat for her mental breakdown despite efforts to keep the singer from using drugs, his attorney told a jury in a case against the pop superstar's parents and conservators.

Attorney Joseph Schleimer told the panel that Sam Lutfi was trying to help the singer but lost control in a series of events that led to her being hospitalised and placed under a court-ordered conservator. Lutfi is seeking a share of the singer's fortunes, claiming he had an agreement to serve as her manager in exchange for 15 per cent of her earnings.

Mr Schleimer conceded the case would be complicated. His opening statements included flashing photos of Spears with a shaved head and striking an SUV with an umbrella.

He said one of Lutfi's first actions after being hired as manager was having drug-sniffing dogs search the singer's home.