Charges considered over Ryder theft claims

Prosecutors in Los Angeles are considering whether to press shoplifting and drug possession charges against Winona Ryder.

The actress was arrested on Wednesday night in a Beverly Hills store after allegedly attempting to steal more than £3,500 worth of clothes, hair accessories and a handbag.

She was also found in possession of a prescription drug, which was reported as anti-depressant Zoloft, without a valid prescription.

But Ryder's lawyer, Mark Geragos, says there has been "a misunderstanding" and the 30-year-old is innocent of the shoplifting claims.

The Beverly Hills District Attorney's office is considering whether Ryder should be tried on the charges of grand theft and possessing pharmaceuticals without a prescription, or if they should be dropped.

She was arrested at department store Saks Fifth Avenue on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, one of Los Angeles' top shopping addresses.

Security guards stopped her as she left and called police who arrested and handcuffed her and took her to police headquarters, where she was later released on £14,000 bail.

She had allegedly been seen grabbing clothes and hair accessories, using a pair of scissors to remove security tags and stuffing them into a large bag.

Mr Geragos said she had already bought several items of clothing and the arrest followed a mix-up between two shop assistants.

He added that she had a valid prescription for the drugs but could not show it to police at the time.