POP STAR Michael Jackson has been found not guilty of all charges at the end of his four-month-long child abuse trial. Fans gathered outside the courtroom reacted jubilantly as the verdicts were read out.
The singer had strenuously denied molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. He was also cleared of giving alcohol to the boy, now 15, and conspiring to kidnap him and his family. The star left the court in Santa Maria, California, for his Neverland ranch, without speaking to fans. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, said: “Justice was served. Michael Jackson is innocent.”
Some 300 fans later gathered outside Jackson’s home, hoping to get a glimpse of the star, with cars backed up for at least three kilometres either side of the narrow lane leading to the Neverland ranch. The singer’s father, Joe Jackson, came down to the gates to speak briefly with fans. “As far as we are concerned justice has been served,” he said.
