Anna Nicole Smith's ex-boyfriend was thrown out of a Los Angeles courtroom yesterday (06NOV03) after he screamed at a judge and then called a juror "cute".

MARK HATTON is on trial for stalking the busty model-turned-TV star after the couple split in June, 2000, but his demeanour in court turned the first day of proceedings into a farce.

However, Anna Nicole's attorney Howard K Stern failed to add gravitas to proceedings by dragging a lifesize art piece of his client into court.

The piece, which featured a naked portrait of Smith, with the message, "All females get naked now," scribbled on the back was left in the reality TV star's backyard by Hatton after they split.

Stern, who was joined in court by Anna Nicole's assistant KIM WALTHER, said, "My client did not intend for this guy to do what he did."

Walther called Hatton "very disturbing," and claimed he once called Smith "at least 100 times".

Hatton has been in jail awaiting trial for the past year.

07/11/2003 09:44