Jackson arrives in court

Michael Jackson has arrived at court in Santa Maria, California, to start his defence against allegations of child abuse. Wearing an all white suit, Jacko waved to his fans, as he entered the court.

The former King of Pop, walked briskly and confidently from his chauffeur driven car to the courthouse, where he was whisked through security checks and into the courtroom.

At least 1,000 members of the media are in California with the fans - many of whom are from Europe - for what has already been called the "trial of the century".

The courthouse in Santa Maria has been swamped ahead of the case with a worldwide audience estimated at two billion. Journalists are fighting for six seats in the court and a limited number of places in an overflow room where proceedings will be shown live on video.

Lawyers for both sides will begin quizzing the first of up to 750 potential jurors, with opening statements unlikely to be heard for at least a month.