Showbiz

Tobey Maguire 'to appear in court over gambling ring'

Published Wednesday, Jul 27 2011, 03:18 BST | By Jennifer Still | Add comment

Tobey Maguire has been ordered to appear in court to answer charges resulting from his participation in an illegal gambling ring.

The actor was named in a lawsuit last month for playing unlicensed poker with convicted fraudster Bradley Ruderman.

Maguire's lawyer later denied the accusations on his behalf, insisting that the Spider-Man star had no idea that the gaming was illegal.

While he has admitted to having earned $187,000 (£116,600) in winnings from the games, he has claimed that he should not have to return his winnings as he suffered a loss at Ruderman's hands.

Per documents filed in the US Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles on Monday and obtained by E Online, Maguire and prosecutors have been given until November 30 to prepare their cases.

They must then appear at a trial scheduled for the week of January 30, 2012.

Maguire will soon produce an adaptation of The Little Mermaid that centres on a princess's battle to save her kingdom and win the heart of her prince.