A judge in California has rejected an attempt by lawyers acting for Michael Jackson to get child molestation charges against him thrown out or to have his trial delayed by several months.
Mr Jackson's lawyers argued that a grand jury indictment should be dismissed because of 'outrageous government conduct' by the chief prosecutor, who they claimed was engaged in a personal witchhunt against the 46-year-old singer.
The defence team also argued in a separate motion that they needed more time to go through some 22,000 pages of evidence.
Santa Maria Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville rejected both defence arguments, saying a delay in the trial, scheduled for 31 January would amount to 'a huge step backwards'.
Mr Jackson has pleaded not guilty to charges of lewd behaviour with a young boy at his Neverland Valley Ranch.
He is accused of plying the child with alcohol and conspiring with his staff to cover up his actions.
