Madonna admirer charged with scrawling messages outside singer's house

A retired New York City firefighter yearning to meet Madonna was accused of scrawling messages of adoration on the pavement outside her apartment building and possessing a 7.5-inch ice pick.

Robert Linhart is charged with graffiti and criminal possession of an ice pick recovered from his car.

He is also charged with resisting arrest outside the building near Central Park.

The 59-year-old was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. A judge set his bail at 20,000 US dollars in cash.

Defence lawyer Cheryl Bader told the Daily News there was "no threatening conduct" and it is "not a crime to adore Madonna", the singer of pop hits including 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'.

Police said Linhart was arrested on Tuesday.