Two-time Oscar nominee Winona Ryder was found guilty of grand theft and vandalism on Thursday. The ruling was the long-awaited conclusion of a case stemming from a December 2001 shoplifting incident at a Beverly Hills department store.
In a verdict announced on live television in the US, the Girl, Interrupted star was cleared of a third accusation of commercial burglary – a charge which requires proof that she'd gone into the store with the intention to steal.
Following the decision of the jury, which deliberated for nearly six hours over two days, Winona now could face up to three years in prison. However, prosecutors have said they won't ask for jail time in the sentencing hearing scheduled for December 6.
"I think we are dealing with probation, community service and restitution," said Deputy District Attorney Ann Rundle. Other than a one-sentence statement in which the star thanked friends and family for their support, neither Winona nor her attorneys had comments about the verdict.
Winona had been charged with stealing goods worth £3,500 from Saks Fifth Avenue during a visit last December 12. Though the actress entered a plea of innocence in February, a number of delays meant the six-day trial did not begin until last week.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
