Janet Jackson tells of 'stalker' terror

Janet Jackson has claimed she fears for her life after being stalked by a New York man for nine years, according to legal documents.

The singer has requested a restraining order against 46-year-old Robert Gardner, who allegedly arrived at a television show rehearsal “armed with a box cutter, a large pair of scissors and a multi-function knife".

In a lawsuit filed at a California court, Jackson claims: “It is only a matter of time before he has the opportunity to harm me.”

The documents accuse Gardner of sending several “disturbing” faxes and letters to Jackson, and attempting to arrange a meeting with her for nine years.

The request for protection was made after Gardner allegedly threatened to fly to Los Angeles to be with the singer.

A preliminary injunction hearing has been set for March 17.