LATEST: CHARLIE'S ANGELS star Cameron Diaz took the stand this morning (14JUL05) to testify in a criminal trial over topless photographs taken of her before she was famous.

Giggling through parts of her testimony, the actress described how she entered modelling and went overseas when she was 16.

She told the courtroom, "I had four pictures in my book, and I went to Japan. Didn't work."

After she got one modelling gig in Japan, she said, "I was like, yes."

Photographer John Rutter tried to sell back the topless pictures to Diaz in 2003 as she was promoting a sequel to 2000 movie Charlie's Angels.

Rutter is charged with one count each of attempted grand theft, forgery and perjury. If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison.

Prosecutors claim Rutter used a forged model release form as a way to put pressure on the actress.

Defence attorney MARK WERKSMAN has portrayed Diaz as an actress ashamed of her past who was able to persuade the district attorney to do her bidding because of her celebrity status.

A judge has issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Rutter from distributing the snapshots. Diaz has also sued Rutter in civil court. That case is pending.

14/07/2005 09:51