Created: Friday, 10 June 2005
Court Photos: http://home.mj-upbeat.com/?p=3874
Friday, June 10, 2005 Jurors in Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial have the weekend off from their deliberations. The eight women and four men headed home Friday afternoon after wrapping up their fifth full day of talks.
So far, they’ve spent more than 28 hours since June 3 weighing the 10 counts against Mr. Jackson. Deliberations resume Monday morning.
Outside the courthouse, reporters from more than 30 countries and a throng of Jackson fans waited for word of the outcome. Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville has allowed Jackson to remain at home at his Neverland Ranch.
In anticipation of a verdict, security measures have been stepped up at the courthouse.
The number of sheriff’s deputies stationed at the courthouse has doubled to 40, from the roughly 20 during the trial. “We are prepared for any situation,” said Sgt. Erik Raney, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Jackson fans have shouted insults at news media, and Court TV anchor Diane Dimond on Thursday obtained a temporary restraining order against one of them, Bobby Joe Hickman, 18, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Dimond alleged Hickman was inciting people to attack her and she felt so threatened that Court TV hired three guards to protect her.
Local attorney Gerardo Camacho, who will represent Hickman at a June 29 hearing, said his client will comply with the order but does not feel it is fair.
Police have issued more than 600 citations for such infractions as jaywalking, excessive horn honking in front of the courthouse crowds and impeding the flow of traffic.
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