Halle Berry's Alleged Stalker Ordered To Stand Trial

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.

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Halle Berry's Alleged Stalker Richard Franco Pleads Not Guilty

Actress Halle Berry's alleged stalker Richard Anthony Franco pleaded not guilty to felony stalking on Wednesday, according to reports.

Richard Franco, 27, is currently being held on $150,000 bail. He is on probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge in June and faces up to three years in state prison if convicted. A preliminary hearing on the stalking case was set for July 27.

Halle Berry was granted a temporary restraining order against Franco on Monday. A hearing will be held to decide on whether the actress' restraining order should become permanent. The hearing is scheduled for August 1. Permanent restraining orders run for three years.

Richard Franco has been ordered to stay 100 yards away from Halle Berry's home, job or workplaces, vehicle, and her daughter Nahla's school or child care facility. He is also barred from harassing, attacking, threatening and contacting the star directly or by phone or email.

The actress described the second incident on July 10 where Franco had gotten into her home, Berry cited three incidents where Franco harassed her at her home.

Halle Berry described in her filing as being inside her garage, which had been converted into a salon, for ten minutes. I decided to open up two large doors, which face and 'sic' interior yard, in order to get some fresh air in, Berry said. As I did so, I walked back toward my kitchen door in the yard to grab a Diet Coke from my refrigerator. As I opened my glass kitchen door and closed it behind me, all of a sudden I sensed someone behind me.

She added that, she turned to see the same intruder 'Franco' standing less than a foot behind me, starring at me through my glass kitchen door.

Halle Berry said, she then called the police but Franco had disappeared before they arrived. Later on Sunday, July 10, Berry said arrangements were made to have fully armed security officers at my residence and on the grounds 24 hours a day.

Richard Franco was identified as the same person who showed up to Berry's backyard on Saturday and Sunday, officials said.

Halle Berry said in the final lines of her filing, this person has jeopardized not only my own personal safety, but also the safety and well-being of my family. This person has invaded and trampled upon the most fundamental sense of security I have and I am extremely frightened of him and what he might do to me and those I love.

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Halle Berry Embroiled In Custody Battle To Protect Daughter

Actress Halle Berry has launched her own custody battle against her daughter's father and ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry.

Aubry recently filed for a paternity petition to declare him as Nahla's father. The former couple reportedly worked out agreements and preferred to avoid the courts.

However, Halle Berry's rep has a different story to tell

Berry has serious concerns for her daughter’s well-being while in the care of her father for any extended period of time and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect her, Berry's rep said in a statement.

She has attempted to resolve these custody issues amicably with her daughter’s father, Gabriel Aubry, directly, but given his lack of cooperation, Halle has no choice but to seek swift judicial intervention.

Berry even pulled out of her most recent film, "New Year's Eve" making room for Katherine Heigl in her place.

The statement said, Berry was forced to pull out of a film production in New York this week due to pending custody litigation involving her daughter.

Halle Berry has always made the needs and safety of her daughter her first priority and, both while Halle and Gabriel were a couple and since their break-up, Halle has only acted in her daughter’s best interest.

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