American actress Halle Berry's alleged stalker Richard Anthony Franco has been ordered to stand trial.
The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Melissa Widdifield issued the ruling today (17.10.11) after testimonies from two witnesses during a preliminary hearing to show evidence against Richard Anthony Franco, who has been charged with one count of stalking and one of residential burglary after he was seen on the actress' Hollywood property three times in three days earlier this year.
The 27-year-old Franco - who is currently jailed on a $150,000 bail - was charged after police arrested him outside the brunette beauty's home in July. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Los Angeles Police Department Detective John Gregozek - who spoke to Halle one day after Franco's arrest - was called to testify during the hearing.
Speaking to the judge about Halle's response following Franco's arrest, he said: 'She was afraid for her safety and that of her daughter, as well. She hired armed security to stay at her residence 24 hours.
'Halle Berry saw the defendant standing at the kitchen door.'
The police officer testified Halle had told him she noticed a key that had been attached to a keychain in the door of a room she uses as a beauty salon was missing, and she showed him a key and keychain that were similar to the ones found in Franco's possession upon his arrest.
Joseph Vach, a security guard who worked for the 45-year-old star - who did not attend the hearing - also testified in court, explaining he had seen a man identified as Franco failing to climb over a fence at Halle's house at his first attempt before successfully vaulting over it after a second try.
He also testified Richard Anthony Franco was carrying a notebook that mentioned Halle Berry by name.
Richard Anthony Franco is due back at the Los Angeles courthouse on October 31 for arraignment.
