Jackson perfume 'aimed to wipe out debt'

Michael Jackson was so keen to cancel debts of £5million that he talked to his lawyers about making fruit machines and perfume, his child abuse trial heard yesterday.

The singer discussed a host of money-raising ideas out of desperation, according to his former lawyer David LeGrand.

He told the court that the schemes Jackson discussed with him included letting a Las Vegas slot machine maker manufacture a casino model that was based on the singer.

He said Hollywood movie producer Bob Evans wanted to make a film based on the singer's life and that Jackson hoped to make a TV special featuring himself and Godfather actor Marlon Brando but all to no avail.

LeGrand told jurors at the court in Santa Maria, California: 'There was insufficient cash to pay those payables. He was highly illiquid.'

Jackson, 46, is accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003, giving him alcohol and conspiring to hold the accuser's family captive. He denies all charges.

The case continues.