Jury to see Jacko's sex books

2005-01-29 09:52

Santa Maria, California - Michael Jackson was dealt a blow just ahead of the start of his child molestation trial when a judge ruled on Friday that jurors can see a collection of erotica seized at his home.

At the last pre-trial hearing ahead of the start of jury selection on Monday, Judge Rodney Melville allowed prosecutors to present a collection of sexually oriented books, magazines and movies seized at Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

Prosecutors successfully argued that the books, magazines, videos and pictures were important, as they allegedly show Jackson's sexual interest in children or that he uses them in an alleged attempt to seduce youngsters.

But while granting a prosecution request to show off the racy adult items, the judge ordered that they cannot be called "pornography, obscene or erotica" in front of the jury, as those terms carry legal significance.

"I will grant the motion, but the material cannot be called pornography or obscene," Melville said, ordering prosecutors to instead use the terms "books, magazines, adult material or sexually explicit" items.

Jackson lawyer Brian Oxman argued unsuccessfully to exclude the 32 magazines, 17 books, two DVDs and images found on a computer from evidence at trial.

He said the magazines and books were irrelevant, as they were available in "any corner drugstore" or bookstore, and noted that the videos were of a heterosexual nature.

But prosecutor Ronald Zonen contended that the items were critical evidence which "reflects a sexual interest in children or was used to show to children to reduce their sexual inhibition and make them more accommodating to his (Jackson's) advances".

Jackson has denied 10 charges, including child molestation and an alleged plot to kidnap and falsely imprison the boy and his family. His trial starts with jury selection on Monday.

- AFP