Erin Andrews Speaks in Court

LOS ANGELES -- On Tuesday in a Los Angeles federal court, ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews faced her stalker for the first time and told the court about the emotional damage inflicted by Michael David Barrett (right), the 48-year-old former insurance executive from Chicago who followed her across the country and used a cell phone to capture nude images of the blonde broadcaster.

In an agreement with federal prosecutors, Barrett pleaded guilty to one charge of interstate stalking, and faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced on February 10.

Andrews told Judge Manuel Real that her personal and professional lives have been turned upside-down since Barett's videos began appearing online. "I feel personally threatened and fear for my safety as long as [Barrett] is free."

Andrews said Barrett stalked her in a "calculated, methodical and deviant manner," adding that her "career has been ripped apart" and the ordeal has had "a devastating impact on me and my family."

The 31-year-old TV reporter added that she is continually "subjected to crude comments at stadiums," and suffers from nightmares. "I walk in crowds and I see him in my peripheral vision," said Andrews. "I hope he never sees the light of day again."

Andrews came to court clad in black pants and a cream-colored jacket, with her hair pulled back. She sat next to her father Steven as Judge Real read the lengthy list of evidence against Barrett. Andrews' voice quivered while she made her statement in court, but she managed to avoid breaking down in tears. At various points, she shook her head and leaned against her father as Judge Real read the charges and detailed Barrett's crimes

Meanwhile, the stocky Barrett showed little emotion as he admitted to stalking Andrews, following her to hotels in Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and South Carolina, and utilizing a cell phone to shoot surreptitious footage.

The case was heard in California because Barrett attempted to sell his footage to TMZ, the celebrity gossip site, which is headquartered in the LA area. (Until recently, TMZ was owned in part by AOL, which also owns FanHouse).

Marshall Grossman, Andrews' attorney, said his client is "not supportive" of the plea agreement the government struck with Barrett, but declined to comment about whether she will be pursuing civil suits against Barrett or the hotels where his videos were shot. According to Grossman, Andrews is one of about a dozen women who were stalked and/or videotaped by Barrett.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wesley Hsu called Barrett's crimes "egregious," and also said it was Andrew's decision to speak at today's hearing - and not wait until the sentencing.

Andrews said she would like to see Barrett classified as a sexual predator, and that she plans to raise awareness about privacy rules at hotels. Barrett was able to locate Andrews simply by asking hotel representatives if she was staying at a particular property, and in several instances, he was able to reserve a room next to hers. "I'd like to have a national policy on hotel giving personal information about their guests," said Andrews. "Things need to change - I don't want someone else's family to go through this."