Johnson’s Fan To Stand Trial

A U.S. man has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly stalking gymnast SHAWN JOHNSON, after he attempted to break onto the set of DANCING WITH THE STARS to meet her in March (09).

Robert O’Ryan will stand trial for four of five charges filed against him - including felony stalking, felony commercial burglary and two misdemeanour counts of carrying a loaded firearm in his car.

A judge dismissed a fifth charge of attempted kidnapping on Tuesday (13Oct09).

An attorney for O’Ryan argued her client was not a stalker but merely had a “crush” on Johnson, telling the court, “He was a fan inspired to come to Los Angeles with all of his possessions.”

Johnson was granted a three-year restraining order against O’Ryan in May (09), two months after he was arrested for trying to climb a fence to enter the TV studios where the Olympian was participating in the U.S. TV talent contest.

Authorities later found duct tape, a shotgun, a handgun a knife and a bulletproof vest in his car.

O’Ryan is being held on $220,000 (£147,000) bail and faces an arraignment hearing on 27 October (09).