Jackson Faces The Music

Michael Jackson made his first court appearance on January 16 to face charges of child molestation brought against him.

Wearing dark glasses, a black suit and white armband, and flanked by Nation of Islam guards, Jackson walked calmly up the 50-yard path to the Santa Maria courthouse. Once inside the court, the nine charges against him were read out, to which Jackson pleaded "not guilty".

The judge then admonished him for being late, and set the next pre-trial hearing for February 13. Coincidentally, the date is also Jacksons son Princes sixth birthday.

Reporters and photographers had camped for days for the best positions outside the courthouse, while snack stalls were set up to cater for the influx of media and fans. The court itself had cleared its schedules, so that Jacksons hearing was the only one taking place all day. Despite all these precautions, the arraignment lasted just five minutes.

It has also been announced that as well as Mark Geragos, another high-profile lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, will head Jacksons defence team. Brafman has previously represented P Diddy.

Also in attendance were many members of Jacksons famous family - his mother and father arrived accompanied by sons Jermaine and Tito, while Janet slipped past cameras with brother Randy.

The family had earlier praised the fans support of Michael, after demonstrations to proclaim the star's innocence had been organised in different locations around the world. 60 fans held a candle-lit vigil outside Jacksons Neverland ranch on Thursday evening, and a further support rally in London is planned for Saturday, January 17, when fans will meet at 1pm at Piccadilly Circus.

The fans' support did not go unnoticed by their idol. As the commotion surrounding the arraignment drew to a close, a hand-scrawled note was passed around, in which Michael invited his "fans and supporters" to come back to his Neverland ranch.

KS