Further blow for Jackson defence team

THE same day the judge in the Michael Jackson molestation case ruled the pop star’s ex-wife can testify as a prosecution witness, word emerged that the defence has lost another member of the team.

Jackson’s attorneys told the judge and prosecutors in a notice released yesterday that attorney Brian Oxman’s departure was effective last Thursday. The notice did not include a reason.

After court yesterday, several reporters watched as Oxman had an animated conversation with lead Jackson attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. The two then embraced in a hug. Oxman did not return a call for comment.