Shawn Johnson "really scared" by 'stalker'

Shawn Johnson has testified in the trial of a man accused of stalking her while she competed on Dancing With The Stars.

Robert O'Ryan was arrested after he allegedly tried to break into the studios where the ABC show tapes in Los Angeles in order to meet Johnson in March 2009.

Authorities are reported to have later found a shotgun and a handgun in his car, alongside a knife, love letters, clippings, information on the star and duct tape.

According to Reuters, the Olympic gymnast appeared in court this morning and said that she was "really scared" when she discovered the extent of O'Ryan's interest in her.

"I didn't know him. He was a stranger to me. To see somebody had that much kind of obsession, it made me really scared," she is quoted as saying.

The 18-year-old - who eventually won the competition - continued to say that she had considered quitting the show and moving home after the incident, and that she had cancelled appearances and stopped going out in public.

O'Ryan's attorney said that the 36-year-old - who reportedly travelled from Florida to meet Johnson - was not planning on harming on the gymnast.

O'Ryan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and waived his right to a trial by jury. The trial continues.