Lawyer: 'Jacko was suicidal during trial'

WENN

Michael Jackson was on the brink of suicide during his child abuse trial, his former lawyer has claimed.

Tony Capozzola, 68, acted as the singer's defence attorney throughout the 2005 case, which saw Jackson being accused of molesting teenager Gavin Arvizo.

Reflecting on his experience with the star, Capozzola told The Mirror: "Michael was terrified that he might be convicted and go to jail - that was his worst fear. He called me many, many times after court, he called me late at night.

"He was very emotional and crying in a lot of the calls - it was a really tough time for him, he was unstable. Our relationship developed into a friendship and if I wasn't there, he spoke to my wife.

"Michael was frightened to be in custody, he knew that if he went to prison as a child molester, terrible things would have happened to him. He was scared he would be attacked and even molested by other prisoners."

Capozzola added that he feared Jackson would kill himself as the late night telephone calls continued.

"He would break down, his voice would tremble and he'd be sobbing," he explained. "He never said I'm going to kill myself, but he said: 'I can't go to jail, I just can't'. He implied that he would have to find another way out.

"I tried everything to keep his mind away from that, but I was worried he would do something stupid."

Jackson, who passed away following a heart attack last month, was eventually cleared of all charges in June 2005.