Trial delayed as Jackson recovers in hospital

The child molestation trial of pop star Michael Jackson has been delayed, after the singer was taken to hospital yesterday.

Mr Jackson, 46, was travelling to the court in Santa Maria yesterday morning when he fell ill. The singer was taken to the Marian Medical Centre and his lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, said that he was "very, very ill". However, the singer was eventually diagnosed as suffering from a "flu-like illness". In a brief news conference, Dr Chuck Merrill said that Mr Jackson was in a stable condition and was expected to make a full recovery.

The star had been due to appear in court for the second day of jury selection. Judge Rodney Melville informed the court of Mr Jackson's illness and said that it would take three or four days for him to fully recover. He said that jury selection would be postponed until February 22. Jury selection has already been delayed once, due to the death of the sister of a defence attorney.

Mr Jackson faces multiple counts of child molestation of Gavin Atizo, when the boy was 13-years-old. The teenager, who suffered from cancer, had been a regular visitor to the star's Neverland Ranch, along with other members of his family. Mr Jackson is also charged with extortion, false imprisonment and conspiring to abduct a child. He denies all charges.

The trail, which is expected to last up to six months, is one of the most high profile cases in American legal history. A number of celebrities, including acting legend Elizabeth Taylor, singers Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, talk show host Jay Leno and basketball star Kobe Bryant are among those who could be called as witnesses. Former child star Corey Feldman has also been subpoenaed to testify against Mr Jackson.

Mr Jackson faces up to 21 years in prison, if he is convicted.

(KmcA)