Jacko child abuse accuser pleads guilty to fraud

The mother of the boy who accused pop star Michael Jackson of child abuse has pleaded no contest to welfare fraud.

Janet Arvizo had been accused of illegally claiming thousands of dollars in assistance and committing perjury, reports the BBC.

The news comes as Jackson prepares to perform his classic ‘Thriller’ at the World Music Awards in London tomorrow night (November 15).

Los Angeles resident Arvizo, who is 38, was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service and repay more than £4,500.

A no-contest plea is not regarded as an admission of guilt under California law but is treated as such for the purposes of sentencing.

Arvizo was a key prosecution witness in Jackson's sex abuse trial of 2005, which ended with the singer being acquitted of all charges.

Evidence of her alleged benefit fraud was presented during the trial by Jackson's defence lawyers. However, Arvizo refused to testify about her financial situation during the trial on the grounds she might incriminate herself.

Jackson will also receive an award for his contribution to music at the London bash, which takes place at Earls Court.