Shania Twain’s Stalker Released From Jail

Shania Twain is undoubtedly increasing her security detail today, since her accused stalker is now walking around as a free man. Dr. Giovanni (John) Palumbo was released from prison on Tuesday (Nov. 15), after spending more than seven months in jail, and receiving credit for time served.

The doctor, who was given three years probation, has been ordered to stay more than a half kilometer (approx 1/3 of a mile) away from the musician and her family, and also to have no contact with her or anyone in her family.

The 'Today Is Your Day' singer faced Palumbo in court in September, to express the effect his actions, including sending a large stack of love letters, had on her. "[The letters] make me uncomfortable and a little bit sad, awkward," she expressed (quote via the Vancouver Sun). "I don't consider him a fan ... I consider him a man who is pursuing me inappropriately."

Palumbo, who has been in jail since his arrest at the Juno Awards in March, has lost his medical license and remains estranged from his family. His attorney, Gary Barnes, urged the judge to release him from prison so he could receive proper psychiatric care.

"This has to end sometime," Barnes told the judge (quote via the Toronto Star). "It's my submission that this should end now."

Meanwhile, Shania can be heard crooning 'White Christmas' with Michael Bublé on the singer's new holiday album. And she has just a year to go before kicking off her two-year run at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, where she'll perform 60 shows each year.

"This is a dream for any recording artist," Shania shares of the concert engagement. "This is more than an opportunity, it's an exceptional gift."

Tickets for her show at Caesar's, which begin Dec. 1, 2012, are on sale now and can be purchased here.