Judge dismisses bid to halt Jackson auction

A judge refused a bid to stop the auction of items from singer Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brett Klein dismissed efforts by Jackson’s production company to have the items returned before the sale, which starts on April 22.

Auctioneer Darren Julien and his lawyer claimed victory after yesterday’s hearing, saying they did not expect other motions to stop the sale to succeed.

The lawyer for Jackson’s company, Alan Gutman, said the ruling would not affect an upcoming motion seeking an injunction to stop the sale.

That motion will be heard by a different judge on April 15.