by The Access Hollywood News Desk

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Access Hollywood has a behind-the-scenes story of Britney’s appearance in court on Tuesday…

SURROUNDED: In a dress you could almost call demure, Britney was escorted by 5 LASD deputies and an entourage that included parents Jamie and Lynn. Brit (wearing a serious expression) was holding onto her mother’s hand. Also there, two power attorneys; Blair Berk (who is handling the conservatorship) and Stacey Phillips (who is handling custody issues) along with teams of Lesser Attorneys from both their offices. Our reporter Selin Dark says Britney was under a tight rein, with parents and attorneys huddled closely around her. But Selin notes they treat Britney like she’s “delicate.” When she entered there was absolute silence. She and her ex did not make eye contact at all.

SHARP-DRESSED MAN: In contrast with his ex, Kevin Federline (who arrived first) looked cocky and in control of the situation and himself. Head shaven, he wore a cream-colored striped suit and matching shoes. To Selin he looked “like he was walking a red carpet.” Interesting to note that reporters asked both “who are you wearing” but got no answer.

MOUTHPIECE: What do K-Fed and Bob Dylan have in common? They have the same publicist. Elliot Mintz, a long-time Hollywood publicist (Dylan, Yoko Ono, Don Johnson, Paris Hilton are current or past clients) gently worked the press in the lobby of Superior Court building after the hearing, confirming dates for drinks with reporters at the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel. We also spotted him face-to-face with K-Fed’s attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan, going over what Kaplan would say before the massed cameras outside and how he would say it. What Kaplan said is that his side is seeing progress in the way Britney is managing her life and agreed with the decision to give her more time with sons Sean Preston and Jayden. That decision by Commissioner Scott Gordon is the one thing that put a smile on Britney’s face when the hearing ended.

THE MEDIA PACK: Approximately 25 media organizations have people in the courtroom and the hallway for part of the proceeding. Outside about 75 people waited and hustled according to our producer on the scene, M.J. Farhan. Paparazzi lurking around the basement parking area (waiting for Britney’s exit) were ordered out by guards. Their dogs were enough to scatter the shooters. The money shots — one lucky shooter got a picture of K-Fed from a freeway overpass, sitting in the front seat of Mark Kaplan’s car. And one civilian, in court for his own hearing, got 20 seconds of Britney on a camera phone.

WEIGHT LOSS:  This story goes back to when Britney’s Conservatorship case was being heard by Commissioner Reva Goetz. Her Honor, watching coverage of the event on television one evening, thought the courtroom sketches made her look too fat. We’re told she asked the artist the next day to “draw me a little thinner.” That evening viewers saw a sketch of a visibly thinner Commissioner Goetz on the news.

CELEB DUTY? Several civilians at LA Superior Court captured Britney in the hallway walking into the courtroom on their camera phones. Amongst those that were caught? An attorney. Yes, folks, even an attorney for another case tried to get in on the Britney action!

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