A Bahamian judge has given photographer LARRY BIRKHEAD a legal boost in his paternity battle over ex-girlfriend ANNA NICOLE SMITH's baby daughter after ordering a DNA test on the tot.
Birkhead, who has been fighting for custody of the child he claims is his, pumped his fists in the air and jumped up and down as he emerged from court in Nassau yesterday (20MAR07) after hearing an end to his battle was in sight.

He told reporters, "It's been a good day in court for me. I can't really get into specifics, but tomorrow might be an even better day."

That suggests the results from the DNA test could be determined as soon as today (21MAR07).

Tragic Smith's lawyer/companion HOWARD K. STERN, who is listed as baby DANNIELYNN's father on the little girl's birth certificate, stormed out of the courthouse and fled the scene in a black sports utility vehicle.

Stern has been caring for the baby at the Bahamian home he shared with Anna Nicole before her death in Florida last month (FEB07).

The Bahamian authorities have ordered Stern not to leave the country with the girl before a custody ruling.

The latest ruling looks to end a case that has been ongoing since December (06) when a Los Angeles judge issued an order for Smith to bring her daughter to California for paternity tests.

That ruling and another that followed were delayed as Anna Nicole and Stern attempted to more jurisdiction in the case to the Bahamas, where child custody laws and paternity issues supposedly rule in favour of the father determined on the birth certificate.