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Roman Polanski's requested US return deal shot down

Roman Polanski at a 2015 court hearing in Krakow, Poland (credit: WENN)
Roman Polanski at a 2015 court hearing in Krakow, Poland (credit: WENN)

Less than a week after offering to return to the United States to face rape charges so long as he would be guaranteed no jail time, Roman Polanski has been informed that no such deal will be made.

Deadline report that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office flatly rejected Polanski’s desired deal, stating, “He forfeited his right to make requests of the court when he fled.”

The now 83-year old director was charged with the rape of a 13-year old girl in 1977. After admitting his guilt, Polanski was initially offered a deal whereby he would spend a mere 90 days in custody for psychiatric evaluation, but fled the US after being informed that the judge in question had changed his mind and would push for heavy jail time.

The demands of a no jail guarantee made by Polanski’s legal representation (the latest of many attempts to resolve the matter and allow Polanski back in the US) hinge on the conditions of this initial deal, but the LA DA is not convinced.

Deputy D.A. Michele Hanisee states, “The defendant is, once again, trying to dictate the terms of his return without risk to himself… His proposed order indicating that this court can reinstate the bench warrant after 180 days if he does not appear, is proof that his return is conditioned on getting the answers he wants. Defendant wants answers – but will only show up if he likes the answers.”

A hearing is scheduled for 20 March, and at present Polanski’s representation are requesting he be tried “in absentia.”

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