A man on trial for allegedly stalking Tyra Banks is arguing that he was responding to the former supermodel's invitation for fans to reach out to her. So, being a fan, he did.

37-year-old Brady Green went on trial in Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday (April 17) for charges of stalking, harassment and criminal trespass.

His legal team called him "an overzealous fan who had hoped to be in Banks' studio audience", that followed her from coast to coast. He hopes to also meet her and perhaps be a guest on her show.

According to the Associated Press, lawyer Sydney O'Hagen said Green never asked for Banks' personal information and never claimed they were meant to marry and have children. The things he did, O'Hagen said, "simply do not constitute a crime" and he gave Banks no reason to fear she was in danger.

Assistant District Attorney Shawn McMahon disagreed. He said Green accused an employee of lying when he said he didn't know where Banks' show was taping. The defendant told him, "I'm going to find you and slit your throat," McMahon said.

Green also sent Banks flowers, said McMahon, enclosed with a note that read: "When I see you, I love you".

A copy of that note was allegedly in Green's duffel bag when he was arrested back in March 2007 near Banks' Manhattan studios. He was also carrying several magazine clips of the model, along with notes he had written himself cataloging his attempts at contacting Banks.

In court papers, police said Green told them, "I know her. She knows me. We're good friends," and even went as far as to say he and the celebrity "had a thing together. I sent her flowers. I sent her cards. Should I plead no contest? I've got satellites watching me and recording us".

Banks told the Manhattan District Attorney's office that she was "in fear of physical injury, serious injury or death" as a result of Green's actions. Shortly after the incident, she was granted a restraining order against him.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He faces 90 days in jail on the stalking charge, if he is convicted.

The trial is currently being heard before Manhattan Criminal Court Judge James Burke without a jury. It has been adjourned until April 27.