Sheikh: I felt betrayed by my friend Jackson

An Arab sheikh who spent a fortune trying to revive Michael Jackson's career felt "a strong sense of personal betrayal" when the pop superstar walked out on the deal, a London court heard today.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second son of the King of Bahrain, is suing Jackson for £4.7million in the High Court to get back what he says he spent on the star.

Bankim Thanki QC, representing the sheikh, told Mr Justice Sweeney that his client had formed a "close personal relationship" with Jackson after he invited him and his children to stay in Bahrain in June 2005.

Mr Thanki said Jackson had signed a contract for recording albums, writing an autobiography and staging shows in which it had been agreed $7,000,000 (£4.7 million) would be deducted from Jackson's agreed royalties to pay for the expenses.

The star left Bahrain in May 2006. The following month, the sheikh was asked to sign a document releasing Jackson from his obligations.

Jackson insists there was no valid agreement. The case continues.