Winona Ryder turned up in an LA court on Tuesday - three days before her scheduled arraignment - to plead innocent of charges relating to a December shoplifting incident. The surprise switch meant the 30-year-old actress avoided the media spotlight.
Wearing a conservative business suit, Winona, who was charged with four counts of felony last week, slipped into the Beverly Hills courthouse through a rear entrance, and remained silent as her attorney announced her not guilty plea. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office says this type of “impromptu” arraignment is not unusual for high-profile defendants in order to reduce press attention.
The Girl, Interrupted star, who is currently free on bail, denies the charges of grand theft, commercial burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. Superior Court Judge Elden Fox rejected the prosecutor’s request to have Winona’s bail increased from $20,000 to $30,000 and set a March 11 date for a preliminary hearing.
At the time of her arrest on December 12, the two-time Oscar nominee was working on her latest film, Mr Deeds co-starring Adam Sandler, which is due for release in US cinemas this summer.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
