Lisa Nowak, the former NASA astronaut now most famous for facing changes of attempted kidnapping, and accusations of nappy-wearing, has apologised to the woman she is accused of attacking.

She also asked the court if she might have her GPS ankle bracelet removed, promising to tell officials if she travels anywhere near Brevard County, where Colleen Shipman lives. Shipman testified against the request, telling the court that it gave her comfort to know that Nowak was wearing the tracker.

According to Reuters, Nowak spoke to reporters outside an Orange County courtroom in Florida in her first public statement since being charged:

"I know this has also been very hard for Colleen Shipman and I would like her to know how very sorry I am for having frightened her in any way and about the subsequent public harassment that has followed all of us," Nowak said.

Nowak is accused of attempting to kidnap fellow NASA employee Colleen Shipman, who police believe she saw as a rival for the affections of another former astronaut, William Oefelein. Nowak's family say the charges "infer too much" from her actions.

Nowak allegedly lay in wait for Shipman at Orlando International Airport, before trying to talk her way into Shipman's car. When she failed, police say she sprayed Shipman with pepper spray. On searching her car after her arrest, police say they found a variety of weapons, as well as rubber tubing and rubbish sacks. ®

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