Criminal charges against William Applegate, the man accused of stalking Sabrina Carpenter and attempting to enter her Los Angeles home, have been dismissed after a judge found him mentally incompetent to stand trial. The ruling means prosecutors cannot pursue the eight misdemeanour counts, but Carpenter’s civil protection order remains in force, offering her continuing legal safeguards.

Carpenter alleged that Applegate, 31, monitored her home for about a month before the alleged attempted break-in in May, and said his behaviour caused significant fear for her safety. A judge ordered him in June to remain at least 100 yards from her home, vehicle and workplaces until 2031; the following day he was charged with offences including stalking, trespass, battery and disorderly conduct. The case reflects wider concerns about stalking of public figures, with social media and online information making targets more accessible.