'Jacko abused me seven times'

Michael Jackson's teenage accuser told police the singer might have abused him seven times, a court has heard.

Gavin Arvizo said he was definitely molested by Jackson twice - and there could have been a further five incidents. Detective Steve Robel told jurors Arvizo, then 13, was fine until he began discussing in interviews the alleged abuse.

Then he became withdrawn and sobbed, the policeman said. "It took me about ten minutes to reassure him he was doing the right thing," he added. "He was getting choked up. Eventually, he went on to describe what events occurred."

Officers made surprise search of Jackson's Neverland ranch, near Santa Barbara, California, as they feared evidence would be tampered with, Mr Robel claimed. Police found baby photos in a drawer next to pornographic magazines in Jackson's bedroom, the court heard.

Jackson denies molesting Gavin, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold his family captive. The trial, in Santa Maria, California, continues.