THE defence lawyer who won Michael Jackson his freedom is believed to be considering suing the Santa Barbara District Attorney for “malicious prosecution”.

Thomas Mesereau Jr is also said to be demanding that the defeated prosecutor, Tom “Mad Dog” Sneddon, give back the photographs taken of Mr Jackson’s genitals during a 1993 investigation into abuse claims.

Mr Jackson said the photographs, taken by detectives, were one of the most humiliating experiences of his life. His legal team are believed to fear that Mr Sneddon may leak the images to the public in revenge for losing the case.

The photographs were taken on Christmas Eve in 1993 after Jordy Chandler accused the singer of sexual molestation. Mr Jackson, 46, later settled the case for a reported $20 million. Mr Mesereau now says the singer received bad advice and should have gone to trial.

“Why will you not end this, Mr Sneddon, once and for all?” one of Mr Jackson’s legal advisers told the Drudge Report website, after asking for the photographs to be returned. “Do you enjoy them?”

At Mr Jackson’s trial, Mr Sneddon asked the judge for permission to enter into evidence the photographs of the singer’s “splotchy” penis. Permission was denied.

Mr Mesereau said on CNN’s Larry King Live that he was sure there was a case for malicious prosecution.

Asked if he thought Mr Sneddon’s case was malicious, Mr Mesereau replied: “I do. I think that he was treated in a way that no one else would’ve been similarly treated. It was because he was a mega-celebrity.”

Times Recommends

• Rio Tinto four held as China prepares case
• Diplomats must keep heads down and trousers up
• When in Rome should one make like Berlusconi?