Pop star Michael Jackson’s secret indictment on child sex charges has set the stage for a unique defence challenge on grounds that the extraordinary security measures may have intimidated witnesses and grand jurors.

The Nation of Islam is rallying to support Michael Jackson and has begun handling some of his security as the pop star prepares to defend himself against child sex abuse charges, it was reported today.

Jurors are today considering whether actress Winona Ryder stole thousands of pounds worth of designer merchandise from a posh department store.