People News

Trial took heavy toll on Jackson

Jul 27, 2005, 12:14 GMT

Michael Jackson was rushed to hospital after his child abuse trial ended and has not been seen since, his lawyer has claimed.

The star, who suffered ill health throughout his four-month court case, has been treated for dehydration and drastic weight loss.

Jackson failed to turn up to his father's birthday party at the weekend, despite promising a performance for guests.

His lawyer Thomas Mesereau told the BBC's World Service: "Michael Jackson was ill from time to time. In fact, people didn't realize he actually entered the hospital after the verdict,"He was dehydrated, he had lost a tremendous amount of weight, he was having trouble keeping food down."

Jackson, who had faced 20 years in jail, also became ill from the fear of what would happen to his three young children if he was found guilty and sentenced to jail.

Mesereau, who has not spoken to the singer in recent weeks, confessed: "He was terrified about what was going to happen to his children and he had a recurring back problem."

The lawyer also revealed he has told Jackson never to invite children to his Neverland Ranch again, to avoid further legal wrangles.

He added: "I advised Mr Jackson not to let any families in his home again."

Jackson was acquitted last month of molesting a teenage boy, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to abduct.

He was admitted to hospital several times during the trial suffering from back problems, dehydration and flu-like symptoms.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International