Jackson accuser 'was in danger'

Jackson denies the allegations against him

The mother of Michael Jackson's accuser has testified that the pop star warned her her son was in danger, following a damaging documentary about the singer.

Janet Arvizo told the Santa Maria court she saw Michael Jackson lick her son's head after flying the family to Florida for a press conference.

Michael Jackson's lawyers have previously tried to discredit the woman as a liar who preyed on celebrities.

Michael Jackson, 46, denies charges of child abuse and false imprisonment.

If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Jackson 'licked accuser'

Mrs Arvizo was at times in tears as she described how Michael Jackson and her son became friends during Gavin Arvizo's treatment for cancer.

He told me that [Gavin] was in danger and there had to be a press conference because of this Bashir man Janet Arvizo Accuser's mother

She said things changed dramatically after a documentary by journalist Martin Bashir was shown in Britain.

In the film, Michael Jackson is seen holding hands with Gavin Arvizo and admitting to sharing his bed with children.

Mrs Arvizo said that after the broadcast, Michael Jackson told her that her children were in danger and that death threats had been made against them.

"He told me that [Gavin] was in danger and there had to be a press conference because of this Bashir man," she told Santa Maria Superior Court.

She said Michael Jackson flew the family to Miami on a private jet for a news conference which never took place.

On their return, she said she saw the singer licking her son's head, but she said she had never told anyone about it.

'Held hostage'

Prosecutors say following the trip, Michael Jackson held the family at his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara until they agreed to make a video clearing his name.

The video has never been broadcast but has been shown to the jury.

Before Mrs Arvizo took the stand, the judge, Rodney S Melville, agreed she would not have to answer questions about any welfare payments she may have received.

At the start of the trial, prosecutor Thomas Sneddon told the jury the woman would admit to taking benefits to which she was not entitled.

Judge Melville told the jury not to draw any negative conclusions about either side.