Pop star Michael Jackson risked forfeiting his $3m bail and possible jail today after he missed a court-imposed deadline for his arrival in court in his sex abuse trial.
Jackson turned up shortly after the deadline set by Judge Rodney Melville. The judge had given the singer one hour to appear in court after he failed to turn up at the start of today’s proceedings.
A warrant was issued for Jackson’s arrest after his no-show in the Santa Maria court. He was said to have been rushed to hospital with a serious back problem but later showed up in court wearing pyjama bottoms and sandals.
The pop icon denies ten charges, including child abuse and false imprisonment. If convicted, the singer could face a 21-year prison sentence.
