Polanski Wins Right toe Video Star at Libel Trial

The House of Lords today ruled that Roman Polanski will be able to present evidence via video link in his libel case against the magazine Vanity Fair. The case will be heard in the English high court, but the film-maker would face extradition to the US if he were to attend in person. He will now give evidence via a video conferencing link from his home in Paris.

Polanski fled the US in 1977 after being found guilty of the statutory rape of an underage girl. But his grievance with Vanity Fair is related to an earlier alleged indiscretion. A July 2002 article in the magazine claimed that the director seduced a "Swedish beauty" in New York's Elaine's restaurant immediately following the 1969 murder of his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, by followers of Charles Manson.

Polanski's role in the trial has been a major sticking point for his libel writ. He was originally granted an order allowing him to testify by video link, by Mr Justice Eady, but this was later overturned by the court of appeal. Yesterday's ruling in the Lords upheld the original decision, but only by a 3-2 majority.