A man accused of stalking Sabrina Carpenter has told a court he believed he needed to be with the singer "to save the world" as a judge extended a restraining order against him for five years.
William Applegate made the claims during a court hearing in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where he argued that he and the pop star were part of a classified military programme and needed to be together for reasons of "national and global security".
According to court proceedings, Applegate said the pair were required to "be together as soon as possible" because of what he described as a secret mission.
The hearing followed a petition filed by Carpenter seeking legal protection after a series of alleged incidents at her home.
Sabrina Carpenter. FeatureFlash Photography Agency, Shutterstock
The singer previously told the court that Applegate repeatedly appeared at her property and attempted to gain access.
In documents submitted as part of her request for a restraining order, Carpenter alleged that Applegate reached the front door of her home last month after entering through a neighbouring property.
She also claimed he struck a security guard during the incident before being arrested.
According to the filing, Applegate returned to the area on multiple occasions in the days that followed, prompting concerns for the singer's safety.
A temporary restraining order was granted in May. This week, Judge David Wasserman ruled that the order should remain in place for five years.
During Wednesday's hearing, Applegate told the court he was "more than willing" to stay away from Carpenter if she personally asked him to do so.
He also claimed he believed law enforcement officers and members of the singer's team were working against him.
The ruling means Applegate must continue to stay away from Carpenter and avoid any contact with the singer for the duration of the order.
Neither Carpenter nor her representatives have publicly commented on the latest court hearing.
