Our goal was to get the longest-term protection possible and this gives us 10 years of control

Deputy district attorney Scott Gordon

Bailey also agreed to stay away from the actress, her family and household for the next decade, after being warned he risked four years in prison if he violated his probation.

Shields was not in court to hear the ruling and her publicist could not be contacted either.

However, the actress was said to have been in constant contact with proceedings in the court.

Los Angeles deputy district attorney Scott Gordon said Shields was satisfied with the outcome and had been "very cooperative".

"Our goal was to get the longest-term protection possible and this gives us 10 years of control," explained Gordon.

"She was involved in every step and we got exactly what we wanted."

Mental health

Bailey has twice before been convicted of offences resulting from his pursuit of Shields, who shot to fame as the child star of Pretty Baby, Blue Lagoon and Everlasting Love.

Following the latest sentencing, Gordon said Bailey had "mental health issues" that needed addressing.

Bailey was arrested on 10 January in Los Angeles outside an office building in the town.

Sheriff's deputies decided to apprehend him after he was spotted taking out a gun while staring at his reflection.

The deputies later found two cards addressed to Shields in Bailey's pocket.

In one of the letters, he threatened to visit the actress in her home.

Over the course of the 15 years in which Bailey terrorised the actress, he sent her more than 100 cards and letters - causing her "extreme fear", said her lawyers.