Jackson trial shown 'nude boy' books from Neverland

Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial was today shown two large books seized from the singer’s Neverland ranch, both filled with pictures of nude boys.

Los Angeles police took them in 1993 during an investigation into abuse allegations made by Jordy Chandler, who was later awarded a multi-million dollar out of court settlement.

The first book was called Boys Will Be Boys, and the cover showed boys wearing swimming trunks jumping into a pool. It was inscribed with a message from a fan.

The second, The Boy: A Photographic Essay, featured many pictures of boys in various states of undress.

It was apparently signed by Jackson himself, and said: “Look at the true spirit and joy in the boys’ faces. This is the life I never had. This is the life I want for my children.”

The court, in Santa Maria, California, was also shown the related search warrant and a picture of the cabinet from which they were taken.

The defence had unsuccessfully argued that the books were irrelevant to the current case and would unfairly prejudice the jury.

Jackson lawyer, Robert Sanger, said it was “just plain stale” to introduce such old evidence.

“The books were kept in a locked cabinet and there is no evidence that any of the books were shown to any of the people in any of the cases,” he said.

Prosecutors said one book contained around 90% pictures of nude boys and the other, around 10%.

Earlier, audio forensic analyst Harry Koons, said his tests found 34 gaps on a tape recorded conversation between the mother of Jackson’s young accuser, Janet Arvizo, and one of the Jackson’s aides.

He said each gap meant the tape was stopped for an unknown period of time.

Mrs Arvizo has told the court the tape was a compilation of conversations taken over several days.

The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case against Jackson next Tuesday.

One of its final witnesses, Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe, failed to lend much support to their case, opting instead to heap praise and affection on the fathe of her two children.

She blamed his associates for manipulating and exploiting the star, describing them as “opportunistic vultures.”

Jackson, she said, was a “great father” and a “wonderful person.”

Jackson denies all 10 charges against him. The trial continues.