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Michael Jackson left the court a free man after being found not guilty of child abuse in Santa Maria, California, on Monday. He was accompanied by his mother Katherine, left, and other family members.

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The star was cheered on by fans who had travelled to the town to support their idol.

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Inside court, Jackson showed "muted emotion" and one of his legal team burst into tears.

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Some fans had secured places in the public gallery, and streamed out jubilantly after the verdicts had been returned.

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The crowd of fans screamed in delight as verdicts were relayed on loudspeakers.

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One woman released doves as the verdicts were read out.

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Some were overcome by emotion.

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Fans outside the star's ranch were greeted by relieved Neverland staff.

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They sang some of his songs, cheered and read a special edition of a local newspaper.

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Fans hope it will be the end of a 12-year ordeal during which Jackson has been plagued by child abuse allegations.

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Santa Barbara district attorney Tom Sneddon, who has pursued Jackson since the 1990s, told a press conference he "did the right thing for the right reasons".