Jackson case could end sooner

2005-05-19 08:00

California - The defence in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial could end sooner than expected, the embattled superstar's lawyer indicated on Wednesday.

Last week, the Jackson camp indicated the defence would rest its case by mid-June, but attorney Thomas Mesereau suggested on Wednesday it could be earlier than that.

When trial judge Rodney Melville told him that he ought to keep defence witnesses coming as "we still have several weeks to go," Mesereau replied: "I think a number of weeks is an overstatement of the amount of time we'll need here."

Mesereau told the judge he had "pared down" the number of witnesses he planned to call.

"One of the things Mr Mesereau has indicated is that things are going pretty fast," said Jackson spokesperson Raymone Bain after talking to the lead defence lawyer.

But, responding to media reports and frenetic rumours, she said: "It is more than likely Mr Mesereau will not be resting his case next week."

When jury selection started on January 31, Melville said he expected proceedings to last about six months. Opening arguments commenced on February 28 and the prosecution rested its case in early May.

Jackson's team had initially presented a long list of celebrities who might take the witness stand, but court-watchers believe the lawyers may reconsider after Melville on Wednesday cautioned against bringing witnesses simply to testify to the star's character.

But United States talk show host Larry King was still scheduled to appear. Melville said Wednesday he wanted to hold a hearing out of earshot of the jurors to determine whether to allow the TV host's testimony.

Jackson has denied all 10 charges that he molested a 13-year-old cancer patient, plied him with alcohol and held him and his family prisoner in early 2003.

- AFP