Wednesday November 25, 2009

SHAMED Roman Polanski has reached a bail agreement with Swiss authorities.

Polanski — director of a host of critically-acclaimed movies, including 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby and Chinatown, released in 1974 — had his offer of $4.5 million bail accepted, which should allow him to be released from prison and kept under house arrest at a ski chalet he owns in the resort of Gstaad.

However, the Swiss Justice Ministry is considering appealing against the bail conditions at the country’s Supreme Court — which means he currently has to remain behind bars.

The Hollywood veteran currently faces being extradited to America after fleeing to Europe in 1978 when he was convicted of unlawful sex with a minor.

“We have ten days to appeal, but will come to our decision quickly,” said Justice Ministry spokesman Folco Galli.

Galli said the reason for appealing was because Polanski is considered a “high flight risk” and may flee back to his home in Paris.

Judges in Geneva were reportedly swayed in granting the bail offer because of Polanski’s family circumstances.

Polanski’s lawyer Herve Temime said his wife and two children are “very upset psychologically by this separation that is a true heartbreak for them”.

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