Halle Berry's alleged stalker is ordered to stand trial
A man charged with stalking actress Halle Berry will stand trial, a judge has ruled.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Melissa Widdifield ordered the trial of Richard A. Franco on burglary and stalking charges to go forward after a preliminary hearing Monday in which two witnesses testified, according to the Associated Press.
Franco was arrested July 11 after appearing on Berry's L.A.-area property three days in a row. He is charged with breaking into her home July 10.
The Oscar-winning actress has said the incidents made her fear for her life.
In civil-court papers, Berry said, “This person has invaded and trampled upon the most fundamental sense of security I have. ... I am extremely frightened. He has terrorized me and my family."
The series of alleged incidents began July 9 when the actress was standing in her kitchen with her manager and saw a stranger in her backyard.
Franco returned the next day, prompting the actress to hire an armed security team. He was apprehended after he returned again on July 11.
Los Angeles police Det. John Gregozek testified Franco was caught with a key to Berry's guest house, which he apparently took when he briefly entered her home July 10, the AP reported.
The actress did not appear in court for the hearing.
Franco remains in custody at the Twin Towers jail with his bail set at $150,000.
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-- Abby Sewell
Photo: Halle Berry at the 2010 Golden Globes ceremony. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times
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