Man Pleads Not Guilty To Harassing Knightley

Marek Daniluk was taken into custody on Thursday (04Feb10) after the Pirates of the Caribbean star told police she felt threatened by his regular presence outside London's Comedy Theatre, where she is performing in The Misanthrope.

He appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday (06Feb10), where he pleaded not guilty to harassment.

The Polish-born 41 year old is alleged to have grabbed Knightley's arm, before demanding she answer questions in a note he sent her.

His lawyer, Jazz Omari, maintains a physical altercation never occurred: "Although there is an allegation that he grabbed Miss Knightley's arm, this is not reflected in her witness statement. In her account, she was approached by the defendant and she was asked quite fairly, 'Did you receive my gift?' to which she replied, 'Yes, thank you.'"

Knightley's statement to police revealed she had become "worried and distressed" by Daniluk's behaviour outside the venue's stage door.