After months of delays and false starts, the trial of Michael Jackson will finally get under way in Santa Maria, California, on Monday.

Opening statements are scheduled to take place in what has become the most closely watched celebrity case ever.

“He is one of the most interesting people that has ever been on this earth,” said Steve Cron, Los Angeles-based defence lawyer and media pundit on the Jackson trial.

“People are going to want to know: What did he do? Who did he do it to and why?”

The singer has denied molesting a 13-year old boy and plying him with alcohol.

There is a palpable tension around the courthouse.

Everyone has a job to do and the world will be watching. Over the weekend more makeshift TV studios were erected on the grounds of the court complex.

Reporters from around the world have once again descended on this quiet California town. Everyone is eager to get their hands on one of the 40 passes for a seat in the main courtroom.

Source: BBC