Jacko's island refuge

Troubled star Michael Jackson could soon abandon his Neverland ranch and quit the US for a Bahrain island.

The singer, cleared of child abuse earlier this year, has bought an £850,000, quarter-acre site on the exclusive man-made Amwaj Islands.

Insiders say Jackson plans to make the private paradise his home as he attempts to escape the memories of his court ordeal.

He has bought two separate villas on the islands, which offer their mega-rich residents a private hospital, parks, golf courses and private boat moorings. The man once known as the Peter Pan of Pop is expected to move early next year. Jackson has already been living in Bahrain as a guest of the royal family for several months.

'He's permanently living abroad,' said Jackson's attorney, Thomas Mesereau, declining to disclose whether Jackson would give up US citizenship.

In Bahrain, Jackson is still best known for his music and is happy to stroll around - recently spending £10,000 during a visit to Toys R Us. Manager Nixon George said: 'If he has any toy needs, we're the only store. We knew he'd be here soon.'