The singer returned to Santa Barbara from Las Vegas where he had been filming. He was escorted to Santa Barbara police station in hand cuffs (they like a bit a drama in the California police) to face the charges, arrange bail and hand over his passport. He left the station uncuffed and took the opportunity to make a 'V for victory' sign and blow a kiss to the crowd outside. He then got into a black Suburban that drove away with an escort of three sheriff's motorcycle officers.

Again the Jackson camp denied all allegations. Lawyer Mark Geragos said the charges were "a big lie" and that his client looked forward to appearing in court so he could clear his name.

Meanwhile the Jackson family stood by their most famous brother. Family friend Stacy Brown said the biggest problem for the Jackson clan was explaining the latest media splash to his 27 nieces and nephews who, more often than not, are the children Jackson is pictured with.

Brown: "A lot of times, what people don't understand and are never told, is that a lot of those kids seen with Michael are his nieces and nephews. They go to the ranch, they go to Neverland quite often and are with their uncle often and love him. And he loves them. Once again these children will be teased and hear lewd comments about a close family member. It's not right."

Michael's brother Jermaine expressed his outrage at the media and at Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon, who has been quite public about his wish to nail Jacko on child abuse charges ever since the farce of the Jordan Chandler allegations in 1993 which never reached court because the Chandler family agreed to drop all allegations in return for a £12 million pay off.

Jermaine told CNN: "This is what the media wanted to see, this is what Tom Sneddon wanted to see. This is what the authorities wanted to see - Michael Jackson in handcuffs. They got what they wanted."