Jacko's prints 'found on porn'

Fingerprints belonging to both entertainer Michael Jackson and the boy accusing him of child molestation were found on pornographic magazines seized from Jackson's Neverland ranch last year, a newspaper in California claimed yesterday.

The Santa Barbara News-Press said its information came from sources which it did not identify. Both sides in the case are prohibited by a court-imposed order from discussing the case.

If the alleged evidence is admitted during Jackson's trial, prosecutors would be expected to argue that the fingerprints were proof that Jackson showed the boy pornographic literature before molesting him.

But the defence could question whether the entertainer knew the boy had been leafing through the magazines.

According to the newspaper, the boy and his brother often visited Neverland when Jackson was not at home.

The newspaper did not describe the magazines' contents, except to say they contained pornography.

Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville is expected to decide next month what evidence can be admitted at Jackson's trial, which is due to begin on January 31.

Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.

Investigators most recently searched his Neverland home on December 3 and 4.

Also on December 4 the entertainer voluntarily gave them a DNA sample at their request. Investigators first searched his home on November 18, 2003, shortly before Jackson was charged.