JACKO REFUSED BAIL REDUCTION

The singer’s vast wealth is just one of the reasons, according to judge…

A Californian judge has refused to reduce Michael Jackson’s bail on child molestation charges.

In a written ruling by Judge Rodney Melville of Santa Barbara County Superior Court, the singer’s vast wealth was cited as the reason for not reducing the $3m (£1.67m) bail.

According to BBC News, the ruling was made public yesterday (September 1), with Judge Melville saying that Michael Jackson had the ability to hire private jets and had frequently travelled outside of the US.

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“No amount less than $3m would provide a financial incentive to return and appear for hearings and trial,” Judge Melville concluded.

As previously reported on NME.COM, Michael Jackson has pleaded not guilty to a ten count indictment which includes charges of child molestation and conspiracy.

The star is currently set to stand trail on the child molestation charges in California’s Santa Barbara in January 2005.

Lawyers for the singer, in seeking the bail reduction, also cited reasons of Michael Jackson’s charitable contributions, lack of criminal record and ties to Santa Barbara County.

Michael Jackson’s lack of prior record was acknowledged by Judge Melville, but said that this was “partially offset” by previous child molestation allegations – a reference to the 1993 criminal investigation against the singer that never led to charges.

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