A woman who was raped by Roman Polanski when she was 13 appeared before a judge in Los Angeles, in an unprecedented bid to persuade the judge to call off the case.

Samantha Geimer went to Jack Nicholson’s house in the Hollywood Hills in 1977, believing she would take part in a photoshoot. Instead Polanski, it was alleged, gave her a sedative washed down with champagne, and raped her.

On Friday Mrs Geimer asked Judge Scott Gordon to drop the case.

"I would implore you to consider taking action to finally put this issue to close as an act of mercy to myself and my family," she said, reading from a prepared statement.

"Justice is not only about punishment. It's about equity and consideration."

Outside court Mrs Geimer, who now lives in Hawaii, said she was glad to "have had the chance to speak and not just be a spectator."

She said the case continued to affect her life and that of her family and three sons.

"It is very embarrassing and unpleasant for them when there are reporters parked outside the house and they are outside with cameras."

Mrs Geimer also played down the severity of what happened to her in 1977, saying Polanski had apologised to her and that they had exchanged emails in recent years.