Detectives 'bungled Jackson evidence'

Police investigating child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson mishandled vital evidence, a court heard.

The singer's accuser, 15-year-old Gavin Arvizo, was allowed to touch pornographic magazines found in Jackson's bathroom at his Neverland ranch before they had been fingerprinted.

Detective Paul Zelis admitted that Gavin was allowed to handle the magazines while testifying at a previous hearing - before any forensic tests had been made.

Gavin and his 14-year-old brother Star have told the court in Santa Maria, California, that Jackson showed them pornographic magazines. The defence argues that the boys were caught looking at the material on their own while Jackson was away.

It also emerged yesterday that baby photos were found in a drawer next to Jackson's collection of porn.

Jackson, 46, denies 10 charges including child abuse and false imprisonment. He could face 21 years in jail.