Arvizo mother prepares to take the stand

The woman at the centre of Michael Jackson’s child abuse case is poised to take the witness stand but fighting to remain silent about welfare payments.

Gavin Arvizo’s mother, Janet, fears giving evidence which could incriminate her as a welfare cheat and has invoked legislation that gives her the privilege not to answer certain questions.

The pop star’s defence team has already painted the woman as a money-grabber who used her children to extort money from celebrities.

Jackson’s lawyer, Tom Mesereau, has made no secret of his wish to blight her credibility before the jury but he contends she should be forced to answer all questions or none at all.

The prosecution has already told the jury she would admit banking welfare payments to which she was not entitled.

The court is discussing the issue in the absence of the jury to thrash out the terms under which she should testify.