Michael Jackson's friends and family fear he may try to take his life rather than face court on child abuse charges.

The star's biographer, J. Randy Taraborrelli, claimed yesterday that Jackson was devastated by the latest allegations - of molesting a 12-year-old boy - and had already warned he lacked the strength to endure a prolonged trial.

Taraborrelli, writing in Britain's Daily Mail, said a member of Jackson's family had told him they were scared Michael "will do himself in".

"The sight of Michael in handcuffs is one the public is not likely to forget," Taraborrelli said. "His police mug shot, in which he stares out blankly with dead eyes, is a chilling sight. It is sure to be a reminder for decades to come - long after Michael is gone - of how wildly his life spun out of control."

Taraborrelli said similar allegations of sexual abuse made against the singer 10 years ago by dentist's son Jordy Chandler, then 13, almost sent Jackson over the brink.

"He became addicted to drugs and were it not for the positive influence of Lisa Marie Presley, to whom he was then married, he might never have recovered," Taraborrelli said.

Jackson, 45, was yesterday reported to be holed up in a Las Vegas hotel as police in California continued to investigate claims of abuse involving cancer patient Gavin Arvizo at Jackson's ranch.

Fox TV claimed that Jackson is accused of plying the youngster with drink and drugs before abusing him.

Jackson surrendered to police in Santa Barbara, California, on Thursday after 70 police swooped on the ranch and spent 14 hours searching for evidence.

He was later released on bail, but is due to face a preliminary hearing on January 9 when his defence team is expected to suggest the allegations were made in the hope of achieving a settlement similar to the $US25 million ($35 million) paid to Jordy Chandler.

Meanwhile, Jackson's case suffered a possible setback yesterday when his former security chief came forward to claim that as many as 300 young children had slept with the singer in his bedroom at Neverland.

Robert Wegner told The Sun the youngsters were "overwhelmingly" boys aged between eight and 12.

Gavin's estranged father, David Arvizo, yesterday revealed he planned to sue for custody, claiming his wife was "crazy" for letting Gavin sleep in Jackson's bedroom.