Fans worldwide thrilled Jackson beat it

FROM the California courthouse to Michael Jackson’s old Indiana neighbourhood to towns around the world, fans reacted with euphoria at the pop star’s exoneration.

More than 1,200 people had waited outside the courthouse for the verdicts that came on Monday, and screams of joy rang out as the throng heard the news.

In Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, neighbours and residents walked past the former family homestead to express their support.

Tony Retic, 61, who lives several blocks away from the home, said he was happy with the verdict, but that Jackson needs to change. “How would you feel about Michael Jackson sleeping with your sons at your house?” he said. “He has to be more careful.”

In New York’s Times Square, a few hundred people gathered to watch the verdict on a big screen. Shouts rang out at each not-guilty pronouncement.

Some 300 fans gathered outside Jackson’s Neverland ranch, all hoping to get a glimpse of the star who had arrived back home through the gates a free man.

His father, Joe Jackson, came to the gates to speak briefly with fans. “As far as we are concerned justice has been served,” he said.

Jackson, he said, was not up to celebrating but had gone to bed, exhausted.

But lawyer Mark Stephens said it may not yet be time for the star to relax: “I suspect that the next chapter will be a launch by Gavin Arvizo, and perhaps others who have been witnesses in this case, of civil proceedings against Jackson for damages for child abuse.”