Cusack stalker accepts plea deal

A woman accused of stalking Hollywood actor John Cusack has accepted a plea bargain that will allow her to avoid US state prison.

Emily Leatherman pleaded no contest to the stalking charge and was sentenced to time already served - six months - and five years' probation.

Ms Leatherman must now stay away from the 42-year-old actor, his home and business for the next 10 years.

The judge also ordered the 33-year-old to undergo psychiatric counselling.

Ms Leatherman was arrested earlier this year near Mr Cusack's Malibu home and has been in custody ever since.

By pleading no contest at the start of her trial, she avoided going to prison had she been found guilty on two charges of disobeying a restraining order and petty theft for not paying a cab fare.

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In a rambling statement, Ms Leatherman claimed she was the victim of sex crimes and thought Mr Cusack could help her.

Mr Cusack was not present in court, but a prosecutor read a statement from him that stated he had never met her but hoped she received proper psychiatric help.

Judge Susan Speer had, a day earlier, dismissed the plea bargain proposal after Ms Leatherman indicated she had been coerced into the deal by her legal team.

However, before she was led away by bailiffs, she 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.

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

The star is best known for films including Serendipity, High Fidelity and Con Air.