Jacko invites fans to post-court party

MICHAEL JACKSON stood on top of his chauffeur-driven van, waved to his fans and invited them all to a party last night, shortly after pleading not guilty to abusing a teenage cancer patient.

The singer had hundreds of fans in a frenzy outside the courthouse in California, as he was heaved on top of the vehicle to give a small dance and flash victory signs. The incredible spectacle came after Jackson, wearing sunglasses, a dark suit and a medallion, appeared 20 minutes late before a judge who called his tardiness an “insult”.

Inside the court, in Santa Maria, Jackson caused a further stir when he asked to go to the toilet and his entourage followed him.

Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville told 45-year-old Jackson he had “started out on the wrong foot” by being late. “I want to advise you that I will not put up with that. It’s an insult to the court,” he said.

During the hearing Jackson nodded when asked if he understood the charges and said “not guilty”. He is charged with seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine. The offences allegedly happened at his Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 21 years in prison.

Several hundred Jackson fans had gathered outside the court to glimpse their idol, who arrived in a van with blackened windows.

He got out of the vehicle and was shielded from the sun with an umbrella. Despite being late, he stopped to shake hands, waved and clenched his fist and shouted “I love my fans”.

The fans, some who had travelled from Europe waved banners proclaiming his innocence.

Helicopters buzzed overhead as Jackson’s father Joe, mother Katherine, brother Jermaine and sister Janet walked into the court.

After Jackson had given his not guilty plea, the judge set a date of February 13 for a pre-trial hearing.

Nearly two hours after arriving, Jackson left the court, holding hands with his mother and sister. When he reached his van he leapt on to its roof, waving to fans, flashing a victory sign, blowing kisses and giving a small dance.

Jackson’s bodyguards then handed out cards to the fans, inviting them to a party at the Neverland Ranch.

The invitations read: “In the spirit of love and togetherness, Michael Jackson would like to invite his fans and supporters to his Neverland Ranch. Please join us Friday, January 16, 2004, from 11am to 2pm. Refreshments will be served. We’ll see you there.”