Lennon aide denies cashing in

Frederic Seaman published a book in 1991

John Lennon's former personal assistant has denied breaking a confidentiality agreement despite admitting to plans for a book about the star after his death.

Frederic Seaman is being sued by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, who accuses him of plotting to profit from his position as the couple's aide.

He told a court on Wednesday that he did make plans to publish a book and sell merchandise like records, T-shirts and John and Yoko dolls.

Ono is seeking control of Mr Seaman's photos

But he insisted that he did not violate the confidentiality agreement he signed with the couple when he began working for them in 1979.

"It occurred to me that I was an eyewitness to history, and at some point I would like to publish a book about Mr Lennon," Mr Seaman told the New York court.

The jury was told of Mr Seaman's diary entries, including his version of a 1980 conversation with Lennon in which he told the star he wanted a career in the music industry.

"I'm glad I managed to throw him off track, and apparently convinced him I have no interest in writing," the entry read.

Mr Seaman admitted that he wrote the entry, but denied that he had tried to deceive Lennon.

Mr Seaman began working for Lennon and Ono in 1979

Mr Seaman also admitted to drawing up a contract with a college classmate to split profits from a book and merchandise just five weeks after Lennon's death.

Mr Seaman published The Last Days of John Lennon: A Personal Memoir, including photographs he took of the couple, in 1991.

Ono is now seeking control of 374 photographs Mr Seaman took of her and her husband during his time with them.

Mr Seaman told the court that he took the photos with his own camera in his own time, meaning he owned the rights.

Ono also wants the $75,000 (£48,000) Mr Seaman made by selling letters and lyrics she says he stole from the couple's home after Lennon's death.

In 1983 Mr Seaman was convicted of stealing Lennon's diaries and sentenced to five years' probation.

Ono is also seeking unspecified damages. The case continues.