Cusack 'stalker' is to face trial

A woman accused of stalking Hollywood actor John Cusack is to face trial after a last-minute plea bargain was rejected at the court in Los Angeles.

The deal called for Emily Leatherman to receive five years probation and to stay away from Mr Cusack for 10 years.

Judge Susan Speer dismissed the proposal when Ms Leatherman indicated she had been coerced into the deal by her legal team.

The 33-year-old was arrested earlier this year outside the actor's home.

She has been in custody ever since, and if convicted she faces a further four years in jail.

Shouting

Ms Leatherman accused her lawyer, Brent Merritt, of using scare tactics to get her to agree to the deal.

Mr Merritt, who was appointed against her wishes, denied the allegation in court.

However, before she was led away by bailiffs, Ms Leatherman shouted: "I want to take it."

In August, Judge Speer ruled Ms Leatherman was mentally competent to stand trial, but not to act as her own lawyer.

Cusack was granted a restraining order against Ms Leatherman in 2006.

The star, who is best known for films as Being John Malkovich and High Fidelity, is expected to testify during the trial.