Jackson charged with child abuse and abduction

MICHAEL JACKSON walked from court smiling yesterday after multiple child abuse, abduction and false imprisonment charges were laid against him.

The star, who faces a long prison sentence if convicted, thanked his fans for their support but refused to answer questions.

Jackson, who was scolded by the judge for being late to his previous arraignment, arrived 45 minutes early. He waved to several hundred fans as he entered the courtroom under an umbrella. The 45-year-old, who this week said his "life was at stake", pleaded not guilty to a grand jury indictment charging him with child molestation and a conspiracy count involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.