Britney stalker sues for distress

Spears' lawyers said Mr Shizawa had a "pattern of harassment"

A man ordered to stay away from pop singer Britney Spears is suing the star for causing "emotional distress".

Japanese businessman Masahiko Shizawa claimed the chart-topper's security guards brandished a gun at him in a street and told him to leave the area.

Earlier this month, a California judge imposed a restraining order on the 43-year-old for three years, calling him "abnormally obsessed" with the star.

Representatives for Spears have yet to comment on the legal action.

Mr Shizawa is seeking unspecified damages from the pop star.

Under the restraining order, Mr Shizawa is banned from coming closer than 300 metres to Spears.

'In love'

Spears, 21, sought a restraining order against the man in December 2002, saying he tried to contact her at two of her homes and that of her parents.

He also allegedly sent photos of himself and notes saying "I'm chasing you".

Mr Shizawa returned to Japan when his visa expired in December but wanted to resolve the issue so he could eventually return to the United States.

His lawyer had argued that Mr Shizawa, a computer programmer and inventor, was harmless and the confusion arose from a cultural misunderstanding.

Simon Robert Hiller said his client was a law-abiding citizen but was "in love" with Spears.