Roman Polanski Skips Bail & Flees to London 1978

Roman Polański (Born August 18, 1933 as Rajmund Roman Thierry Polanski) is a Polish-French film director, producer, writer and actor. Having made films in countries such as Poland, Britain, America and France, he is considered one of the few "truly international filmmakers." His films cross national and political boundaries, and expose many of the "dark psychological desires" that are common among all people.

Roman Polanski sexual abuse case

On March 11, 1977, Polanski, then 43 years old, was arrested for the sexual assault of 13-year-old Samantha Geimer during a photo shoot for French Vogue magazine. Soon after he was indicted on six counts of criminal behavior, including rape. At his arraignment Polanski pled not guilty to all charges.

Geimer's attorney next arranged a plea bargain, which Polanski accepted, where five of the six charges would be dismissed. As a result, Polanski pled guilty to the charge of "Unlawful Sexual Intercourse," with a minor, "a different crime than rape," states prosecuting attorney Roger Gunson. Polanski was then ordered to undergo 90-days of psychiatric evaluation at Chino State Prison.

On release from prison, Polanski expected that at final sentencing he would be put on probation. However, the judge had apparently changed his mind in the interim and now "suggested" to Polanski's attorney, Douglas Dalton, that more jail time and possible deportation were in order. Polanski was also told by his attorney that despite the fact that the prosecuting attorneys recommended probation, "the judge could no longer be trusted . . ." and his representations were "worthless."

Upon learning of the judge's plans Polanski fled to France on February 1, 1978, just hours before sentencing by the judge. As a French citizen, he has been protected from extradition and has lived mostly in France since then.

On September 26, 2009, Polanski was arrested while in Switzerland at the request of U.S. authorities. He was kept under house arrest at his home in Gstaad while awaiting decision of appeals fighting extradition to the U.S. On July 12, 2010, however, the Swiss rejected the U.S. request and instead declared him a "free man" and released him from custody, although all six of the original charges still remain pending in the U.S.