Sabrina Carpenter granted 5-year restraining order against stalker William Applegate

• Sabrina Carpenter was granted a five-year restraining order against William Applegate
• Applegate allegedly tried to enter Carpenter's Los Angeles home over a dozen times
• A criminal investigation is underway, though no charges have been filed yet

Sabrina Carpenter has been granted a five-year restraining order against William Applegate, 31, a man she claims attempted to enter her Los Angeles home more than a dozen times. The order, reported by the Associated Press, requires Applegate to remain at least 100 yards from the "Manchild" singer, her sister, and her sister's partner — both of whom live with her. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms or attempting to contact Carpenter in any way.

What happened in court

Applegate appeared at the hearing without legal representation, telling the court that he and Carpenter needed to "be together as soon as possible" because they are part of a classified military programme monitoring "national and global security," the Associated Press reported. Carpenter, 27, had been prepared to testify remotely but was not ultimately called upon to do so. The "Girl Meets World" alum's attorney, Blair Berk, told Judge David L. Wasserman that the singer "is in fear for her own personal safety and the safety of members of her family" as a result of Applegate's conduct.

Repeated intrusions and an arrest

Applegate allegedly made more than a dozen attempts to gain entry to Carpenter's Los Angeles home. In a petition filed by Carpenter, she alleged that Applegate was arrested after striking a security guard and reaching her front door last month, only to return days later. A temporary restraining order was granted by the judge on 29 May, ahead of the full hearing.

Applegate's claims in court

Applegate admitted to being present at Carpenter's residence but insisted the "Espresso" singer wanted him there and claimed her team and the authorities were working against him. He said he was "more than willing" to stay away from the Grammy winner if she told him so directly. In a counter-petition, however, he wrote that Carpenter had attempted to communicate with him by looking directly at him while performing during her Coachella set in April.

Judge's warning

Judge Wasserman addressed Applegate directly during the proceedings, making clear that the order took precedence over any personal beliefs. "I understand that it's your belief that in order to save the world, you and the petitioner must be together," the judge said, adding that he expected Applegate to "obey the order, not what you think is right, not what you think the military commands you." Applegate was warned explicitly to comply with every condition imposed by the court.

No criminal charges appear to have been filed against Applegate at this stage, though a criminal investigation is currently underway, the Associated Press reported.