MICHAEL JACKSON - PROSECUTORS ASK FOR CHILD PRIVACY IN JACKSON CASE

LATEST: Evidence given by children in the MICHAEL JACKSON molestation case will be held in private, if prosecutors have their way.

Judge RODNEY MELVILLE will consider a request that "the testimony of child witnesses be closed to the public" at a hearing in California on 28 January (05).

Melville wants time to consider the prosecution's evidence before making his decision.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent to his alleged victim. His trial starts on 31 January (05).