New York, Apr 3: The sister of Britney Spears'' former manager Sam Lutfi has testified that the pop singer told her in recent months that she needed her brother''s help to hire her own attorney.

Attorneys for Britney''s father and conservator, Jamie Spears, have been seeking a long-standing restraining order against Sam, a manager and close confidant of the singer during her personal meltdown, that forbids him from contacting her.

Sam''s sister Christina Lutfi was called as a surprise witness at a Los Angeles court. She said that she teamed up with Britney to contact her brother in a spy novel-like plan.

Britney, whose phone access is strictly limited by her father, allegedly asked Sam to sneak a cell phone to her at a Beverly Hills hotel in mid- January, according to Christina.

"[Britney] told me she wanted to get a hold of Sam," the New York Daily News quoted Christina, as telling People magazine.

"She wanted him to help her find a lawyer, and wanted someone to get a pre-paid cell phone to her. She was scared because her father was blackmailing her with visitation rights over her kids," she added.

Christina said that she met with Britney in a hotel sauna where the singer was handed a phone.

"She asked me, ''Will Sam be able to help me?''" Christina said.

Britney then hid the phone in a locker.

Jamie Spears, who has controlled his daughter''s personal and financial affairs since early last year, testified back in February that he eventually found and confiscated the phone.

However, Jamie''s lawyer Blair Berk has dismissed rumours that the singer wants to end her father''s legal control.

Britney "was in such fear [of Sam], she asked if I could get him arrested, to keep him away from her," said Berk.

Meanwhile, Sam''s attorney, Bryan Freedman has denied his client has committed any wrongdoing.

"Sam''s only crime was trying to help out a friend. When someone asks for your help, that person is obviously not scared of you or in need of a restraining order." Freedman said.

Freedman argued that Spears'' attorneys have not shown enough evidence of ''substantial emotional distress'' as a result of communication with Sam.

Closing arguments in the case will be heard on April 21. (ANI)