Farrell granted restraining order

Farrell's films include Alexander and Minority Report

Actor Colin Farrell has been granted a restraining order against a former girlfriend who allegedly tried to distribute a tape of them having sex.

A US judge has temporarily forbidden Nicole Narain from selling, showing or distributing the 15-minute video.

The Irishman, 29, is suing Ms Narain for damages, claiming she contacted the media about the tape and worked with an internet pornography business.

The next court hearing is due to take place in Los Angeles on 10 August.

Reputation

Mr Farrell claims the video, which was made two and a half years ago, was jointly owned with topless model Ms Narain, 31, and that they had a verbal agreement that it should remain private.

The actor's case also stated that the release of the tape would greatly harm his reputation and career.

He is seeking an injunction forbidding the sale and distribution of the tape.

It added that the defendants' "outrageous attempt to capitalise on the celebrity of Colin Farrell... exceeds all bounds of common human decency".

The legal action, filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, also names Paul Nash of Internet Commerce Group - an online pornography company - as a defendant in the case.

Mr Farrell will next be seen in period drama The New World and the film version of TV show Miami Vice.