By TIM MOLLOY, Associated Press Writer

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - An angry judge issued an arrest warrant for Michael Jackson on Thursday after he failed to show up for his child molestation trial on time and his attorney announced the singer was being treated for a serious back problem.

Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville said he would also forfeit Jackson's $3 million bail unless he appeared in court within one hour.

The announcement came after a few minutes after court was to have begun. Jackson's accuser was expected to begin a second day of testimony against the singer.

The jury was not yet in the courtroom when the judge entered.

Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., said, "Mr. Jackson is at Cottage Hospital in Santa Ynez with a serious back problem. He does plan to come in."

The judge, obviously angry, declared, "I'm issuing a warrant for his arrest. I'm forfeiting his bail. I will hold the order for one hour."

Mesereau, whose request that the judge talk to Jackson's doctor on the phone was turned down, said a short time later that Jackson was on his way.

Hospital spokeswoman Janet O'Neill said Jackson left Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital at 8:45 a.m. It is about a 35-mile drive from the hospital to the court. O'Neill had no comment on Jackson's condition. [...]