Jurors in singer Michael Jackson's child abuse trial are expected to return for their third full day of deliberations on Wednesday.

They are deciding whether Mr Jackson is guilty on 10 charges, including the alleged abuse of a boy two years ago.

Other charges faced by the singer include giving the 13-year-old boy alcohol and conspiracy to kidnap.

Mr Jackson, 46, who denies all the charges, faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted on all counts.

The jurors need to reach a unanimous decision.

Unruly crowd

The jury of eight women and four men began their deliberations late on Friday after a four-month trial that involved more than 140 witnesses.

Meanwhile, outside the Santa Maria court in California, fans of the singer have continued to hold a vigil for their hero.

About 100 were outside the courtroom Tuesday, chanting and holding numerous signs that proclaim their support for Mr Jackson, including one which read "Don't Mess With MJ Fans".

Fan Fariba Garmani, 44, opened a box of white homing pigeons as fans chanted "Innocent" and set the birds free.

She said: "They symbolise freedom so with each innocent verdict I'm hoping one will be released."

Sudhir Kumra, from London, said he had met "some wonderful people", but added: "You get to meet some scary people as well. But that's Michael Jackson, and he draws people from all over."

The 37-year-old said he paid about £400 for a last-minute flight to California to be with Mr Jackson.

Fellow fan Yukiko Kandu - a 26-year-old medical student, who moved from Japan to Los Angeles four years ago to be closer to the pop star - said: "It's very stressful. I'm very nervous, I can feel all the fans' nervousness."

Mr Jackson is awaiting his fate at his Neverland ranch, some 40 miles from the court, where many fans have headed after the day's proceedings are over.

'Anxious' wait

Civil rights campaigner Reverend Jesse Jackson - who has been supporting Mr Jackson throughout his trial - said: "Michael is resting comfortably in the ranch.

"Michael anxiously awaits the jury's verdict, and anticipates the acquittal.

"The ground is no place for a champion. A champion fights back. Michael is fighting back."

In his closing arguments last week, Mr Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, told the jury the abuse allegations by Gavin Arvizo, now aged 15, were the work of a family intent on capitalising on his client's fame and wealth.

Prosecutor Ron Zonen portrayed the star as a serial paedophile who used pornography and alcohol to "groom" young boys.

Judge Melville has said they could decide that Mr Jackson gave the teenager alcohol but did not abuse him, a lesser charge with a penalty of up to a year in prison.