Jackson jury resumes deliberations

The jury in Michael Jackson’s child sex abuse trial has begun its third full day of deliberations.

The eight women and four men arrived at Santa Maria court, California, casually dressed, laughing and chatting together.

They have so far spent 14 hours weighing-up the evidence against Jackson, who is accused of molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold him and his family captive.

The singer is awaiting news of his fate at his Neverland ranch, 40 miles from the courthouse. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Jury members began considering their verdicts on Friday after a 14-week trial involving more than 140 witnesses.

They deliberate from 8.30am to 2.30pm local time, with three short breaks, and have so far asked the judge one question, which was not divulged to the public.

Outside the court, the waiting game continues for hundreds of impatient fans and reporters in the searing Californian sun.