Halle Berry reportedly wants to move to France because she "fears for her life and the life of her child".

The 'Dark Tide' actress has allegedly become the target of Madonna's former stalker, Robert Hoskins, who RadarOnline.com claims escaped from a psychiatric hospital on Tuesday.

A source told the website: "Friends are scared for her life. She is terrified for her safety.

"They sent him to Metropolitan State Hospital last fall but he escaped on Tuesday."

Hoskins - who allegedly threatened to slit Madonna's throat - was jailed for 10 years in 1995 after breaking into the 'Hung Up' singer's home.

The source added: "Halle has hired 24-hour guarded security at her home and the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) has been visiting her since the escape."

Meanwhile E! News reported that Halle's former stalker Richard Franco was released from jail on Saturday (04.02.12) having served just half of his 386-day sentence - although a restraining order will remain in place for the next 10 years.

But Halle's desire to take daughter Nahla, three, to live in France with boyfriend Olivier Martinez, has apparently not been well received by Nahla's father Gabriel Aubry, who is reportedly trying to block the move through the courts.

The source said: "Gabriel is upset that Halle wants to leave the country. Friends say she's tried other options to protect her family like renting a home in Northern California but France seems like the best option because of Olivier."