MEL GIBSON - ALLEGED GIBSON STALKER TO ACT AS OWN LAWYER

A drifter accused of stalking MEL GIBSON plans to serve as his own lawyer in his upcoming trial.

ZACK SINCLAIR, who was arrested for allegedly violating an order to stay away from Gibson, announced that he will be representing himself as jury selection began yesterday (28FEB05) in what is expected to be a six-day trial.

Gibson is listed as one of 15 prosecution witnesses who could be called to testify.

Sinclair was arrested in September (04) for stalking the actor-director. He allegedly went to the gate of Gibson's Malibu, California, estate repeatedly that month after evading neighbourhood security and asked to pray with the actor.

Sinclair was again arrested on 7 October (04) after allegedly violating a court order to stay away from Gibson and his family.

In a court filing, Gibson said the man interrupted his worship on 19 September (04) at a chapel and "demanded that I pray with him" before the film-maker's bodyguard escorted him out.

Sinclair is also suspected of sending letters to Gibson and his family in which he recounted his prayers for the actor, cited biblical verse and praised Gibson's movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.