Actress must face shoplifting trial, judge rules

A judge has thrown out a bid by Winona Ryder's lawyer to stop Los Angeles prosecutors proceeding with her shoplifting trial.

Mark Geragos had filed a motion to disqualify the Los Angeles District Attorney's office from the high-profile case after claiming prosecutors are not treating his client fairly.

He claims the District Attorney's office has "an axe to grind" against the star and wants its prosecutors replaced with staff from the California Attorney General's office.

But in Beverly Hills, Superior Court Judge Elden Fox rejected Mr Geragos' claims.

The 30-year-old actress denies stealing designer clothing and accessories from exclusive store Saks Fifth Avenue.

Her case will now resume on August 13 when a trial date is expected to be set.

She has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of grand theft, burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled drug.

Ryder is accused of stealing about £3,500 (€3,500) worth of goods, including hats, handbags, tops, socks and hair accessories, from Saks.

Police said she also had the painkiller Oxycodone, a morphine derivative, without a prescription.

She faces up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.