Ryder in court over shoplifting allegations

Winona Ryder has appeared briefly in court in connection with allegations of shoplifting and drug possession.

The 30-year-old actress's case was adjourned to February 11 when she will appear again before a judge at Beverly Hills Superior Court.

Prosecutors have still to formally file charges against the Golden Globe-winner after her arrest for alleged shoplifting and drug possession in a Beverly Hills store in December.

Police in Beverly Hills said the actress had been arrested after she removed security tags from several items and left Saks of Fifth Avenue with $1,500 worth of clothes and hair accessories in her shopping bag.

Officers also found drugs for which she had no prescription when they arrested her.

The actress was handcuffed and taken to a police station after her arrest on December 12.

A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles district attorney said: "Wynona Ryder's hearing for tomorrow has been advanced to today.

"It was an extension of her bail bond. We have not yet filed charges."

The actress's lawyer, Mark Geragos, claimed the arrest had been "a misunderstanding" and that she had prescriptions for the drugs.

"It's a misunderstanding on the part of the store," he said, adding that Ryder was carrying the items between store departments.