Jackson accuser's father loses visits plea

The father of Michael Jackson’s young accuser appeared on the verge of tears tonight as a judge denied his request to see his children.

Barred from contacting the boy and his brother and sister, the father had asked to visit his son because of rumours that the boy is ill and because he hoped to determine if Jackson molested him.

Although he denied the request, Superior Court Judge Richard Denner scheduled a hearing for February 24 to hear any additional evidence showing why the father should be allowed to have contact with the boy.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of performing lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent, reportedly wine. He is free on bail pending trial.

The father pleaded no contest to child cruelty in 2002 and was barred from seeing his children. The boy’s mother filed for divorce in October 2001.

The father’s lawyer, Russell Halpern, said he has since completed classes in parenting and anger management.

The boy has lost a kidney to cancer surgery, but law enforcement officials have suggested he is healthy.