MARTIN BASHIR - BASHIR KEEPS SCHTUM IN JACKSON TRIAL

British journalist MARTIN BASHIR faces possible prosecution for contempt after refusing to answer questions during cross-examination at the second day of MICHAEL JACKSON's child molestation trial yesterday (01MAR05).

Bashir, 42, interviewed Jackson at his California Neverland Ranch in January 2003 for the controversial documentary LIVING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON, which raised questions about the superstar's relationship with young boys.

Months after the film was broadcast, Jackson was arrested in November 2003 and stands accused of 10 felony charges of child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent, and conspiracy involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.

Before his examination, Bashir was told by Santa Maria, California Judge RODNEY S MELVILLE he could refuse to answer some questions under California Shield Law, which allows journalists to protect their sources.

Bashir declined to respond to the majority of the questions, including if he asked Jackson to sign documents without lawyers present, how many hours of footage were cut from the documentary, whether he was employed as a correspondent at the trial and if he saw any unedited footage from the film.

Jackson's lawyer THOMAS MESEREAU demanded Bashir be cited for contempt and asked the prosecution to dismiss the documentary as evidence.

Melville said he would review the questions and Bashir's answers later and rule on whether contempt had been committed.

If found in contempt, Bashir could face a possible jail term or a large fine.

During Bashir's cross-examination, Jackson was seen glaring at the journalist while he was in the witness box.