The American
pop singer filed a request for a restraining order at a Los Angeles
court
against Masahiko Shizawa of Yokohama, claiming the
41-year-old had "tracked and attempted to contact" her at her house
since September.
Mr
Shizawa's lawyer told the court his client was "a VIP in Japan" and had "no intent" to
harm her.
He's
a VIP in Japan - he had no intent
Simon
Hiller
lawyer for Masahiko Shizawa
|
But the 21-year-old
singer says that Mr Shizawa called at another of her homes and also
at a home used by her parents, both outside California.
Mr Shizawa allegedly sent notes to the pop star saying "I'm chasing
you" and refused to leave her property when asked to.
Court order
Ms Spears' lawyer, Joel Strote, asked that Mr Shizawa be banned from
coming within 915 metres (1,000 yards) of the singer, and from contacting
her at all.
Mr Shizawa was not in court for the restraining order request.
According to a US television show, he has been forced to return to
Japan as his visa has expired.
The show also says that Mr Shizawa is a well-respected computer
programmer who "made millions of dollars with technology patents" and has
no criminal record.
A hearing of the case has been postponed until 28 February.
Time off
The pop singer is currently taking a six-month sabbatical from music.
She has had a troubled year, with her relationship with N'Sync star
Justin Timberlake ending and her parents separating.
Her debut movie performance in Crossroads was slated by film critics,
and a restaurant she opened in New York suffered a setback after two
diners claimed they had suffered food poisoning there.
She has since distanced herself from the venue, called Nyla.
Ms Spears has recently been in Italy staying with fashion mogul
Donatella Versace.
Earlier this year her spokespeople denied claims she was planning to
take a two-year break from music.