Model Banks's fear over 'stalker'

Brady Green says he never intended to scare Tyra Banks

US model-turned-TV presenter Tyra Banks has told a judge in New York she fears for her safety after allegedly being stalked by a fan.

Brady Green is accused of repeatedly calling her TV studio, sending her flowers and threatening her assistant.

He was arrested near the studio in Chelsea in March 2008 and told police he and Banks "had a thing together".

Lawyers for Green, 39, who has pleaded guilty to stalking and harassment charges, say he is a harmless fan.

Prosecutors say Green, from Dublin, Georgia, threatened to slit the throat of Banks's assistant and sent flowers with the note, "when I see you, I love you".

Safety 'fear'

Green was arrested on 18 March after allegedly appearing twice at the studio where Banks, 35, was filming daytime talk programme, The Tyra Banks Show.

Banks - who also presents America's Next Top Model - told the Manhattan Criminal Court that, on that day, studio staff had warned her about Green, saying he was "somebody I should watch out for".

I fear for my safety, I fear for the safety of my staff and for my family Tyra Banks

She said she became scared when police officers turned up at the studios.

"I didn't know what to do," she said.

"How do I live my life when I leave this building?

"I had never experienced anything like this before."

Banks said security around her had "changed significantly" because of Green and that she was now followed everywhere by bodyguards.

"I don't fear for my life," Banks said.

"I fear for my safety, I fear for the safety of my staff and for my family.

Brady Green admitted going straight to TV studios after a long bus trip

"And I fear for the safety of people in my vicinity."

Green told the judge he felt moved to contact Banks after seeing her shows about homelessness and racism.

His attempts to get tickets for her show had been misunderstood, he added.

He said he had not threatened Banks and had never intended to scare her.

Under cross-examination, he admitted he went on a four-day bus journey from Los Angeles to New York, where he did not know anybody.

The first thing he did upon arrival was go to Banks's TV studio, he admitted.

Closing arguments were due to be heard on Thursday.

The case will be decided by Judge James Burke who is hearing the case without a jury.

If convicted, Mr Green faces up to 90 days in jail.