Michael Jackson 'optimistic he will be acquitted'

Michael Jackson is optimistic he will be acquitted in his child sex abuse trial, his friend and mentor the Rev Jesse Jackson has said.

As the jury returns today for its third full day of deliberations, the pop star is waiting for news with friends and family at his Neverland ranch.

The Rev Jackson, a renowned civil rights campaigner, has been a regular visitor, praying with the singer and offering support.

“Michael is very well embraced through all of this by his supporters throughout the world,” he said.

“He is a top entertainer, he’s tough, he’s a champion.

“He’s fighting back as an artist. He has no bitterness and no anger and total confidence in jurors and in his lawyer. He anticipates acquittal.” The jury of eight women and four men have spent 14 hours reviewing some 14 weeks of testimony by more than 130 witnesses. They must come to a unanimous verdict.

They submitted one question to the judge early this week which was discussed and answered by lawyers but not divulged to the public.

Jackson, 46, could be jailed for up to 20 years if convicted of all ten counts against him, all relating to the alleged molestation of a 13-year-old boy.

He has been treated in hospital twice in the last week, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office confirmed that an ambulance is on standby near the courthouse.

Aside from Jackson’s health, several fans are getting increasingly excitable and some have promised riots if Jackson is found guilty.

As the eclectic gang of supporters continues to grow, the chants and banners get increasingly colourful.

One woman arrived at the court gates with a small army of children, some as young as three or four, all dressed in white shirts and black trousers.

They serenaded the crowd with a song they penned themselves, proclaiming their love and support for Jackson.

Others sing and dance to Jackson’s music, blasted out from a small stereo, while some spend their time getting to know other fans from around the world.

When the jury is driven off site, in white vans with a police escort, many fans pile into cars and make their way down to Neverland, some 40 miles away, hoping for a glance of their idol.