Jackson arrives in court on time

Michael Jackson arrived at court on time for his child molestation trial today.

It was his first court appearance since a failure to appear last Thursday triggered a threat of arrest by the judge and a race to the court in his pyjamas from a hospital where he was said to be receiving treatment for a back injury.

This time, Jackson was wearing a bright red sports coat with a black armband. He left his van and walked into the court in Santa Maria, California with his father, Joe, on one side and his mother, Katherine, on the other.

He acknowledged chanting fans by turning, waving and flashing a V-sign.

Jurors went home last week after a combative and tense exchange between the pop star’s accuser Gavin Arvizo and defence lawyer Mesereau and are expected to see more of the same this week.

The teenager was due back in the witness box for more cross-examination.