Michael Jackson Arrives Late to Court

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Michael Jackson arrived late to his child molestation trial Thursday to face a judge who threatened to arrest him and revoke his $3 million bail.

Jackson, who was said to have been treated at a hospital for a back problem, walked gingerly from his car to the courthouse, failing to beat a one-hour deadline the judge had set before activating an arrest warrant.

Jackson wore a jacket over pajama bottoms and slippers and appeared to be in pain. His movements were hesitant as he took little steps. He turned to acknowledge fans on his way in.

Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville had held onto the arrest warrant to give Jackson one hour to reach court from a hospital where his attorney told the court the singer was being treated for a serious back problem.

The flurry of activity began a day that was already expected to be eventful, with Jackson’s accuser returning to the stand to testify about the key allegations against the singer.