Trial shown 'nude boy' books
Michael Jackson's child molestation trial was shown two large books seized from the singer's Neverland ranch, both filled with pictures of nude boys.
Los Angeles police took them in 1993 during an investigation into abuse allegations made by Jordy Chandler, who was later awarded a multi-million dollar out of court settlement.
The first book was called Boys Will Be Boys, and the cover showed boys wearing swimming trunks jumping into a pool. It was inscribed with a message from a fan.
The second, The Boy: A Photographic Essay, featured many pictures of boys in various states of undress. It was apparently signed by Jackson himself, and said: "Look at the true spirit and joy in the boys' faces. This is the life I never had. This is the life I want for my children."
The court, in Santa Maria, California, was also shown the related search warrant and a picture of the cabinet from which they were taken. The defence had unsuccessfully argued that the books were irrelevant to the current case and would unfairly prejudice the jury.
Jackson lawyer, Robert Sanger, said it was "just plain stale" to introduce such old evidence.
"The books were kept in a locked cabinet and there is no evidence that any of the books were shown to any of the people in any of the cases," he said.
Prosecutors said one book contained around 90% pictures of nude boys and the other, around 10%.
The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case against Jackson next Tuesday.
Jackson denies all 10 charges against him. The trial continues.
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