Jackson trial ‘could end next ‘week’
The end is in sight in Michael Jackson’s child sex abuse trial, it emerged today, with the defence expected to wrap up its case within days.
“We’re approaching the end of trial,” prosecutor Ron Zonen told Santa Maria court, California.
“The defence has indicated they may be resting as early as next Tuesday.”
The singer’s lawyer, Tom Mesereau, initially said his case would last around six weeks, but it is understood his star-studded witness list has been cut dramatically. Jackson is not expected to testify in his own defence.
His former lawyer, Mark Geragos testified earlier that he had issued a “broad directive” to a private investigator, ordering him to keep tabs on Jackson’s young accuser and his family.
He said he was concerned the family may have tried to sell their story to the tabloids or have gone to a lawyer to try to sue the singer.
“I told (investigator Bradley Miller) to find who they’re meeting with and what they’re doing,” he said.
“My concern was that there was going to be some kind of accusation made, there was going to be some false story concocted.”
Mr Geragos said he had been aware the family was to be interviewed by child welfare workers in February 2003 but denied ordering Mr Miller to secretly tape the meeting.
The accuser’s mother has testified that the investigator was at the interview, and that a man called Asef had asked her to record it. Mr Geragos said Asef worked for Mr Miller and not Jackson.
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