Jackson to land in UK
Pop star Michael Jackson is expected to land in Britain this weekend or from next week to plug his new album, Number Ones.
The controversial trips comes after Mr Jackson was charged with seven counts of sexual molestation and two counts of giving alcohol to a 12-year old boy.
The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of eight years for the first count and a further two years for each subsequent count. The pop singer could face up to 24 years behind bars.
Although Mr Jackson is on bail set at GBP2 million, he has been handed back his passport and may fly to the UK where his album is doing well in the charts.
A recent poll for Sky News found that two thirds of interviewees said the singer should remain on US soil.
Labour MP for Alyn and Deeside,, Mark Tami, said Mr Jackson’s entry into the UK should be blocked.
He told the BBC: “He’s facing serious sexual charges – as I understand it, he intends to do promotional work for a new album or something or other.
“I think until this matter is resolved, it is totally inappropriate for him to come to this country.”
Before flying to London, Mr Jackson is penned in to join a throng of 300 partygoers on Saturday night at his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
Mr Jackson will take a short holiday in Europe, before his appearance in court on 16 January.
The Home Office will have the final decision on whether to grant Michael Jackson’s Christmas visit to the UK.
An assessment will be made “conducive to the public good,” the Home Office said.
A Home Office spokesman said: “Each individual is treated on a case-by-case basis but a person can be prevented from entering Britain if their visit is deemed not conducive to the public good. Immigration officials will decide.”
