Cusack 'stalker' will stand trial

A woman arrested on charges of stalking actor John Cusack is mentally competent to stand trial, a US judge has ruled.

Emily Leatherman was arrested in March near the High Fidelity star's Malibu home and later charged with stalking.

But the case was put on hold while Ms Leatherman was evaluated by a court-appointed psychiatrist.

The judge found the 33-year-old mentally competent after reviewing the psychiatrist's reports and ordered her to stand trial on 9 September.

Ms Leatherman also was charged with counts of petty theft and disobeying a restraining order, which Cusack obtained against her in 2006.

She has been held in custody since her arrest and faces up to three years in prison if she is convicted.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Susan Speer made her ruling based on the psychiatrist's evaluation that Ms Leatherman was delusional and paranoid.

Ms Leatherman sobbed in court and repeatedly talked over Judge Speer, prompting the judge to issue her several warnings.

Cusack, 42, is best known for films including Serendipity, High Fidelity and Con Air.