After months of relatively quiet pre-trial hearings, a frenzied atmosphere is expected to return to the Santa Maria Court House - similar to the day when Michael Jackson first appeared in court to proclaim his innocence on child molestation charges.

“It’s going to be a circus, there’ll be big crowds,” Mr Nugent said. “I have no idea why people are interested - but they are. For me, it’s just a job.”

Security is much tighter than it has been for previous hearings. Two tall chain-link fences have been erected to keep fans at bay.

“We’ve bought a significant number of barricades to keep the crowds of out of the streets so we don’t have a repeat of people rushing out to try to get to Mr Jackson’s vehicle,” said Chief Macagni.

So far, only a few fans are milling around the area - but by Monday police expect a crowd of up to 5,000.

Many supporters say they will be a permanent presence outside the courtroom. Nichole A Jackson, who changed her surname in 2002 to be the same as her idol, said she believed he was innocent.

“There is no way Michael would ever hurt a child. That’s just ridiculous stuff,” she said.

Another fan, Michel Martin, added: “I don’t know if he’s guilty or not guilty - I guess we’ll have to wait for the court system to decide that.

“But you have to understand that these are men judging Michael and not God.”

Source: BBC

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