Jackson's latest day in court

By Peter Bowes in Santa Maria, California

It was another circus. Michael Jackson and most of his family turned up dressed all in white.

The entire clan - including mum and dad, Janet, LaToya and Jermaine - arrived in an air-conditioned double-decker bus that spent much of the day parked outside the court's main entrance.

Supporters have gathered for Michael Jackson's court appearances

About 150 fans gathered behind crash barriers to scream their support for the singer, who faces charges that he sexually abused a boy under the age of 14.

With their faces pressed against a high chain-link fence, Mr Jackson's adoring followers squealed and jostled as the pop star's entourage made its way into the court.

"Michael, Michael, we love you," they chanted, over and over again.

Their banners displayed similar messages - 'Michael is innocent, treat Michael with dignity.'

'All lies'

Bringing back memories of the OJ Simpson trial, T-shirt sellers are doing a roaring trade.

I wish he'd take me back to his ranch Ashley Walling, 15 Michael Jackson fan

'Free Michael Jackson,' says the slogan on one, all black, design.

The relatively small crowd probably resulted from Mr Jackson's last-minute decision to attend the pre-trial hearing.

But while low in numbers, the fans left everyone clear about their take on the case.

"I think it's all a bunch of lies," said Ashley Walling, a 15-year-old from Santa Maria. "I love him, who doesn't?"

"I wish he'd take me back to his ranch," added the teenager.

"We'll be here dusk to dawn for him. He's wonderful," said another fan.

A small number of professional protestors mingled with the crowd.

Najee Ali, a civil rights activist and director of Project Islamic Hope, said he thought the case was going well for Mr Jackson.

"Right now we're winning the battle but the most important thing is we have to win the war," he said.

'Supporting the child'

Not everyone peering through the wire fence was a supporter of Michael Jackson.

I can't understand people who come out with their children to support a man who has been accused of child molestation Sofia Hollum Child abuse campaigner

'1 in 6 boys is sexually abused,' read a banner held up by Sofia Hollum, a campaigner for the rights of abused children.

"I just want to make sure that we don't lose sight of the fact that this is a child molestation trial about a little boy who says he was sexually abused," she said.

"All children who come forward and say they have been abused deserve to be supported and obviously Michael Jackson has plenty of support, so somebody has to be out there supporting the child."

Ms Hollum said she had been verbally abused by Mr Jackson's supporters at a previous hearing, but on this occasion there was no trouble.

"I can't understand people who come out with their children to support a man who has been accused of child molestation," she said, glancing at parents in the crowd clutching their kids.

Inside the courtroom the mood was much different.

The air was tense as Mr Jackson's lawyer faced off with the main man behind the singer's prosecution.

Janet and Jermaine Jackson arrived at the court to support their brother

Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon was on the witness stand to answer questions about the evidence gathering process in the case.

There were several prickly exchanges as Mr Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr, launched into an interrogation that was almost clinical in nature.

Little emotion

Both men earned rebukes from Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville, who warned Mr Sneddon not to "spar" with the lawyer.

Judge Melville runs a tight and disciplined courtroom. He speaks slowly and deliberately and, as Mr Jackson discovered on day one of the case, he does not tolerate any behaviour that is deemed disrespectful to the court.

The singer was rebuked for turning up late on that occasion. He has been early ever since.

While the lawyers slugged it out, Mr Jackson, who was wearing sunglasses, sat bolt upright and showed little emotion.

He occasionally ran his hands through his hair, straightened his spectacles and scratched his nose.

During the lunchtime break, the superstar and his family retreated to their bus. To the delight of his fans the singer paused to wave.

At times he could be seen peering out from behind the vehicle's darkened windows.

It was another excuse for his fans to yell.

"Thank you Michael, thank you."