Jackson Family Hires Extra Lawyer

Troubled singer Michael Jackson's father has hired another lawyer to represent "family interests" in the THRILLER star's child abuse trial.

Joe Jackson has asked American TV legal analyst DEBRA OPRI - who has also represented singer JAMES BROWN - to help out his 45-year-old son's defence team.

Opri says, "I am a person who believes in justice and I believe Michael Jackson is innocent. I don't believe that he has the capacity to formulate a criminal intent.

"Joseph Jackson loves his son and wants to be kept updated on everything."

Although Michael has pleaded not guilty to 10 child molestation charges, including a charge of conspiracy to abduct a child, he is hoping to reduce his $3 million (GBP1.7 million) bail payment.

But the plea is being opposed by prosecutors, who fear he may be planning to flee the country.

The motion is to be argued at a hearing on Friday (28MAY04).