Jackson hobbles out of court
For the second time in less than two weeks, Michael Jackson arrived late for his child molestation trial today, walking slowly and stiffly into court.
But the judge ordered evidence to resume with no explanation of what transpired during a 45 minute delay.
Judge Rodney Melville ordered lawyers to continue questioning an investigator, sheriff’s Sergeant Conn Abel, who was on the stand in Santa Maria. California, last week when the trial adjourned.
The pop star had been was threatened with arrest on March 10 when arrived more than an hour late in court after an early morning trip to a hospital for treatment of what his lawyers said was a back injury. Despite the threat, Melville took no action that time.
Jackson’s motorcade pulled up at the court today about a minute past the 8:30 a.m. (1330 GMT) start time and it took him a couple of minutes to get inside. Aides held onto his arms as he walked.
For several minutes there was a series of entrances and exits from the courtroom. At one point a man in surgical scrubs was in court, although it was not known if he was a doctor.
Defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau entered and left repeatedly, at one point speaking to a bailiff. Jackson’s mother, Katherine, left court.
Last Thursday, a Jackson lawyer said the singer’s back was still bothering him and he planned to rest and relax during the weekend. Jackson did not have to attend a motions hearing that was held on Friday.
Prosecutors have said they may wrap up the stage of their case focusing on Gavin Arvizo’s molestation claims as early as this week.
District Attorney Tom Sneddon said prosecutors may finish presenting evidence about the 15-year-old’s allegations that Jackson molested him by Friday.
Those expected to testify about the alleged molestation include investigators who searched Jackson’s Neverland Valley Ranch on November 18, 2003, and Stan Katz, a psychologist who interviewed Gavin and his brother about the alleged molestation.
What comes after the testimony will depend on how Melville rules in a hearing next Monday on the prosecution’s request that they be allowed to present evidence of alleged past molestations by Jackson. If the judge agrees to admit the evidence, they may begin presenting witnesses about Jackson’s past immediately after the ruling.
