Michael Jackson's trial will be delayed by a week, following the death of his attorney's sister.

Reuters reports that Judge Rodney Melville has postponed jury selection proceedings until February 14 in order to give leading attorney Thomas Mesereau a chance to grieve.

Melville made his announcement in a gym hall near to the courthouse, telling the 250 potential jurors: "You may not talk to anyone about this case or any subject connected to this case. That includes each other."