SAN DIEGO -- The judge in the David Westerfield trial has banned the father of Danielle van Dam from the courtroom and the third floor of the courthouse -- for apparently trying to stare down the defendant.

Because of a gag order, no details were immediately released. But as of Monday, Damon van Dam (pictured, left) is under orders to stay away from the Westerfield trial.

There are no private entrances for defendants in the courthouse, and Westerfield is brought up in elevators or stairwells each day, accompanied by four sheriff's deputies.

Van Dam, who is said to wander the hallways of the courthouse, is believed to have been either staring at the defendant or posturing himself to intimidate Westerfield, according to a broadcast report.

The order was issued by Superior Court Judge William Mudd, who is presiding in the Westerfield trial.

Westerfield, 50, is accused of abducting van Dam's 7-year-old daughter earlier this year and murdering her. He could get the death penalty if convicted.