Britney Spears driver’s licence trial nears end

Britney Spears avoided court yesterday, but in her absence her attorney told jurors the pop star calls Louisiana home and should be cleared of a charge of driving without a California licence.

Ms Spears’ attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, told a Los Angeles jury that the case turned on defining the singer’s real home.

"She was residing in California – I’m not trying to get tricky with the terminology – but ‘resident’ has a different definition," Dr Flanagan told jurors.

Prosecutors from the city of Los Angeles argued that Ms Spears, 26, lived in California since May 2006. They say Ms Spears should have had a licence from the state in August 2007, when she hit another car in a Los Angeles parking lot while being trailed by photographers.

Jamie Spears, the pop star’s father, testified that his daughter planned to move home to Louisiana as soon as a custody dispute over her two children is settled.

Ms Spears’ father took over his daughter’s business and personal affairs in February after she was twice taken to Los Angeles-area hospitals and held for psychiatric evaluations.

Ms Spears has not attended the trial, which is her right because she is accused of a misdemeanour and not a more serious felony charge.

The case went to trial after negotiations failed over a plea bargain that would have avoided a trial.

Ms Spears could face a maximum six months in jail if convicted but is more likely to get a fine and probation.