Jackson lawyers to cross-examine alleged victim's sister

SANTA MARIA, United States (AFP) — The defense in Michael Jackson's child-sex trial gets its chance to cross-examine his alleged victim's sister, after she offered damaging testimony on her family's stay at the star's Neverland Ranch.

Legal experts say the 18-year-old witness, who came across as rather childlike when testifying on Thursday, could pose something of a test for the defence team, and in particular Jackson's physically imposing lead lawyer, Thomas Mesereau.

"There is a naive quality about her that might attract the jury's sympathy," said legal analyst Anne Bremner, a criminal defence attorney.

"If the jurors get the impression the defence is bullying her, it could be a problem," Bremner said.

The sister's testimony on Thursday focused on a period two years ago when prosecutors allege Jackson conspired to intimidate and isolate her family, held them captive at his ...