Jackson footage to stay under lock and key

UNSEEN out-takes from the filming of Granada’s documentary about Michael Jackson are to be kept under lock and key until the High Court has ruled on a bid by the star to obtain possession of them.

At a hearing in London yesterday, Granada gave temporary undertakings to keep the unused footage in secure conditions at its South Bank headquarters.

The company also pledged not to exploit the out-takes or release the TV programme on video or DVD which Jackson says would be a breach of the production agreement.

The undertakings are effective until a full hearing of the dispute in April.

The documentary, Living With Michael Jackson, featured interviews with journalist Martin Bashir and revealed the superstar had shared a bed with children.

After the programme was screened, Jackson lodged a complaint with broadcasting authorities and accused Bashir of "betrayal".

The singer's own production company then released footage in which Bashir praised the way Jackson treated children.