Jacko cleared of charges

Pop star Michael Jackson has been dramatically cleared of child abuse.

The 46-year-old had faced up to 20 years in prison and the end of his career.

It took the jury of eight women and four men at the Santa Maria court, California, 32 hours to reach a not guilty verdict. The trial was in its 16th week.

Jackson had been accused of sexually abusing the then 13-year-old cancer sufferer Gavin Arvizo, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold him and his family captive.

He was cleared of all charges.

A blank and composed Jackson left the courthouse minutes after the verdict and waved at fans as he was driven off in his black 4x4, surrounded by his family.

The investigation into the pop star was triggered in February 2003 by British journalist Martin Bashir's bombshell documentary in which Jackson admitted sharing his bed with young boys.