Michael Jackson wanted to testify in his own defence at his child sex trial, but his lawyers had talked him out of it, his spokeswoman said yesterday.

Publicist Raymone Bain, speaking as the defence rested its case, said Jackson would have been a good witness, but his lawyers were opposed to the eccentric singing star taking the stand.

“His attorneys did not feel at this point in time in the trial it was necessary,” she said.

“Michael listened to his defence team and he was not going to say `I just demand’ on testifying. It was a group decision. At the end of the day, it was decided that it was not necessary for him to.”

But Ms Bain said Jackson would have made a good witness for his own defence.

“I think he would have been good for the jury. I think we have spoken the truth. He’s always maintained his innocence throughout this trial,” she said, predicting that Jackson would be acquitted. She also insisted that the star, who she said had a “strong grip on reality,” would never again put himself in a position where he could be accused of molesting children.

“His love for children has been an innocent one. He’s not done anything criminal or anything wrong.”

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