Nicole Richie Restraining Order Made Permanent

On Wednesday, the hearing regarding the restraining order against Fabricio Luis Mariotto- the photographer Nicole Richie felt got too close to her daughter- has been continued until December 23, Radar Online has learned.

"The restraining order hearing has been continued until December 23. All orders remain in effect,” Richie’s lawyer Mark Geragos told Radar Online.

Nicole Richie was at the courthouse this morning for the hearing, but was kept away from the media in a secluded room. Richie believes Mariotto was lurking around her daughter Harlow's preschool and is seeking to have a temporary restraining order made permanent.

A source close to the situation added that "both parties are trying to reach an amicable settlement."

Mariotto told Radar Online: "I don't want a restraining order. Nobody waits on her, its not like she is Angelina [Jolie]."

He added that he didn’t realize he was photographing Nicole’s daughter at her school and had simply followed Nicole without realizing she had gone to a preschool.

“I’m not a bad guy, I was driving erratically,” he said.

Credit: Radar Online

Nicole Richie: Paparazzi Are Scaring My Kids!

Nicole Richie is going after a paparazzo tomorrow in court ... but TMZ has learned it's the beginning of a campaign she's waging against renegade photogs.

Sources connected with the case tell TMZ ... Nicole will appear tomorrow in her bid to get a permanent restraining order against Fabricio Luis Mariotto, whom she actually photographed stalking her 2-year-old child, Harlow, at her preschool.

We're told Nicole will testify that she's not scared of Mariotto, but Harlow is frightened beyond words. Nicole will tell the judge Harlow has seen Mariotto and other photographers chase and incite Nicole and it's taking an emotional toll on the child.

Nicole, who already got a temporary restraining order against Mariotto, will explain that other photogs have also crossed the line with both Harlow and Sparrow.

The children will not be present in court, nor will their baby daddy, Joel Madden.

Nicole's theme when she testifies -- It's not about her, it's about her kids ... and it must stop -- and if it doesn't she's going after the photogs who persist.

Credit: TMZ

Nicole Richie Gets Restraining Order for Harlow

Nicole Richie just got a restraining order against a photographer who she claims has been stalking her child at her preschool ... TMZ has learned.

A photo -- taken by Nicole -- was attached to legal papers filed in support of the restraining order, showing Fabricio Luis Mariotto lurking at Harlow's preschool.

Nicole says in her petition for the restraining order, "[Mariotto] drives erratically around my children and others, yells, screams and attempts to scare us so that he can photograph our reaction. He trespasses on preschool property to photograph the children."

Nicole adds, "He has often left his car in the middle of a busy street just to chase me for a photograph."

Nicole, who did not show up in court but was represented by Tamar Arminak from Mark Geragos' law firm, adds, "His predatory behavior caused and continues to cause severe emotional distress as I fear for the safety of my children."

The temporary restraining order requires Mariotto to stay 100 yards away from Nicole, Harlow, Sparrow and Joel Madden, as well as the preschool.

Credit: TMZ