Winona relief as drugs charge is dropped
Hollywood actress Winona Ryder expressed her relief today after a judge dismissed a drugs charge facing her.
Following a prosecution request, Judge Elden Fox dropped the allegation that Ryder was in illegal possession of a painkiller when she was arrested for shoplifting last December.
She stills faces felony charges of grand theft, commercial burglary and vandalism and her trial was adjourned until October 24.
Outside Beverley Hills Superior Court, Ryder’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, described today’s move as “highly significant” and said his client was relieved by the decision.
He pointed out that the defence team has always maintained she had a prescription for the pills, a generic painkiller called Percocet.
Mr Geragos said: “Its is unfortunate that it has taken 11 months for someone to see that but we applaud the decision.”
He said Ryder had been prescribed the pills by her doctor after breaking her arm while filming Mr Veets with actor Adam Sandler.
Mr Geragos said Ryder, who appeared in court today wearing a cream dress and matching cream coat, was ready to go to trial on the remaining charges.
He said she was coping with the long running case and the public scrutiny surrounding it tremendously well.
He added: “It has been extremely trying for her and her family.
“She has had 10 months of having people mock her and say awful things about her.
“But there has also been a tremendous outpouring of support from fans and people who think she has been treated in a heavy handed manner.
“Today she is relieved that after 10 months the drug count was dismissed.”
Ryder, who has always maintained her innocence, is accused of stealing designer goods including hats, bags and socks from exclusive store Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverley Hills.
Prosecutors allege she had taken £4,000 (€6,300) worth of merchandise when she was arrested just before Christmas last year.
Ryder’s trial was due to start today but was delayed because Mr Geragos is involved in another case.
He said he expected that case to be finished by the middle of next week and that jury selection should begin in the Ryder trial next Thursday, October 24.
Ryder, who is free on bail, could face three years in prison if convicted.
