Jackson jury lining up lucrative book deals

The jurors in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial are being offered money-spinning book deals worth more than $1 million (€0.83m) to produce the first exclusive inside story of the high-profile court case.

American literacy agents are already in contact with the jurors through their relatives.

A Los Angeles Literacy agent told British newspaper The Sunday Times: "The first to produce the book could make $1 million, especially if they convict Jackson.

"And even if they clear him, the public will want to know why."

Under Californian law the jurors are obliged to remain silent for 90 days after the verdict. However, this rule is not always enforced, raising speculation over whether these prospective book deals could give some jurors an interest in dragging out proceedings.

The panel spent more than 28 hours deliberating last week since Judge Rodney Melville handed over the case the previous Friday.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiracy involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.