COWELL WARNS OFF PAPARAZZI AFTER BUGGING

The American Idol judge became suspicious his movements were being monitored, and his fears were confirmed when a security sweep uncovered a hi-tech spy device attached to the undercarriage of his £140,000 Bentley Continental.

Cowell has since found out a journalist was responsible - and although he has decided not to call in the police, lawyers acting for the music boss have told newspapers to back off.

Cowell's publicist Max Clifford says, "It is a step too far. He's been in this business for years. We're not making a song and dance about it, but it is unlawful.

"He is not a suspected terrorist. We've found out who the journalist is and we have decided to send out a note to the other papers asking them to refrain from that sort of thing."