Jackson voluntarily gives DNA sample

MICHAEL JACKSON has voluntarily given a DNA sample to authorities, according to a source close to the case, but it was not immediately clear how officials planned to use the sample in the singer’s child molestation case.

Today is the deadline for prosecutors and defence lawyers to complete the discovery process, in which both sides exchange evidence they have gathered during pre-trial investigations.

The 46-year-old entertainer has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim. He is scheduled to stand trial on January 31.

Jackson voluntarily gave a DNA sample to authorities, returning to his Neverland Ranch estate a day after he left during a search by sheriff’s deputies, a source close to the case said yesterday.

When Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies arrived with search warrants on Friday, Jackson’s lawyer instructed him to leave and take his children with him, the source said.

Jackson’s attorney, Thomas Mesereau, flew by helicopter from Los Angeles to Jackson’s ranch in Los Olivos, 100 miles north-west, when he heard the search warrant had been served, said the source.

The deputies came back to the estate on Saturday, and requested a DNA sample. Jackson returned by car and supplied the sample voluntarily, the source said.

Authorities had never before asked for a DNA sample, the source said.