British aristocrat LORD ALEXANDER MONTAGU is terrified about testifying at Michael Jackson's child molestation trial - because he's receiving death threats ordering him to stay away from the court case.

The thirteenth DUKE OF MANCHESTER has been called by the prosecution to testify about the visits he and his son ALEX made to the THRILLER star's Neverland Ranch in California in the late 1990s.

Montagu, 49, Alex, now 11, befriended Jackson at a memorial service for late British royal DIANA, Princess Of Wales and was frequently invited to spend time with the star and other young boys.

But while waiting to hear if he will be called to give evidence, the duke claims he had his car tyres slashed and received telephone death threats telling him to "leave the country and don't come back until after the hearing".

Montagu says, "My son was sworn to secrecy to Michael. I don't really to any degree know what happened. I asked my son. He wouldn't tell me.

"I've had the front of my house vandalised. I've had my car tyres slashed. If I have to testify I ask that it be done as soon as possible, because I just want to get this over and done with and get on with my life.

"If Mr Jackson's not guilty of something then he should be let go with an apology."

Jackson, 46, has pleaded innocent to 10 felony charges of child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiracy involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.

27/03/2005 14:04