Garner ’stalker’ Sent To Psychiatric Unit
By WENNWednesday, March 31, 2010
A man accused of stalking JENNIFER GARNER and her family has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Steven Burky pleaded no contest to two counts of felony stalking at Los Angeles County District Court on Tuesday (30Mar10), after continually harassing the Alias star since 2002.
Garner was awarded a permanent restraining order against Burky in 2008, which stated he should stay at least 100 yards (300 feet/91 metres) away from the actress and her family. The order was set to last until 2011.
But Burky was spotted outside the Los Angeles nursery the actress’ four-year-old daughter Violet attends in December (09), and arrested.
The 37-year-old’s aunt claimed that his obsession was the result of a psychological condition - and court officials agreed.
A judge found Burky not guilty of the offences by reason of insanity during a hearing on Tuesday, and ruled that he should be sent to a state mental hospital.
The judge also ordered Burky to stay away from Garner, her husband Ben Affleck and their family for 10 years if he is released, reports the Associated Press.
