Jackson 'pain' delays trial again

Jackson needed help walking into the court building

Michael Jackson's child abuse trial was delayed for nearly an hour after the US pop star arrived at court late supported by aides and with a doctor.

Mr Jackson, who denies 10 charges of molesting a teenage boy in 2003, looked frail and appeared to be weeping.

The judge resumed the trial without explanation after 45 minutes of talks with the star's lawyers and doctor.

The 46-year-old singer arrived more than an hour late on 10 March and was reprimanded by judge Rodney Melville.

But on this latest occasion, the judge appeared to take no action against Mr Jackson.

'In pain'

The star, who had trouble walking, was led to the toilet during the adjournment after he arrived several minutes late in the courtroom in Santa Maria, California.

I'm very much hurt Michael Jackson

A doctor, wearing medical clothing underneath a baseball-style jacket, also arrived in the court and was beckoned by Mr Jackson.

Mr Jackson eventually left court about six hours later after two prosecution witnesses testified.

When asked by reporters if he were taking medication, responded: "Yes, by way of the doctor."

"I'm very much hurt. I'm in pain," the singer added.

Testimony

Before that, the 12-member jury heard evidence from Anthony Urquiza, a psychologist.

Mr Urquiza described "child sexual assault accommodation syndrome", in which youngsters become secretive, feel helpless and trapped and delay reporting acts of abuse.

He said changing stories and unclear details were consistent with the way young victims behaved.

Mr Urquiza also said few child sex abuse allegations turn out to be false.

However, under cross-examination by Mr Jackson's defence lawyer, he said he had not studied false allegations as he usually evaluated a victim only after criminal charged had been filed.

Prosecutors, who claim the singer gave his accuser wine from a soda can aboard a plane, also called to testify flight attendant Lauren Wallace.

Ms Wallace said she served Mr Jackson wine in soda cans on several occasions.

She said she was never on a flight with the accuser and his family.

Mr Jackson's trial has entered its fourth week.

The singer was indicted by a state grand jury in April on 10 charges of molesting Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland ranch.