Geller 'so relieved and happy' at Jackson verdict

Spoon-bending celebrity psychic Uri Geller tonight said he was relieved that his friend Michael Jackson had been acquitted of child sex abuse charges.

But he said he felt partly responsible for the 16-week trial, telling the Press Association he “started all this” by introducing Jackson to Martin Bashir.

The investigation into the pop star was triggered in February 2003 by British journalist Bashir’s bombshell documentary in which Jackson admitted sharing his bed with young boys.

Mr Geller said: “I’m just so relieved and so happy for Michael Jackson. The nightmare is over.

“This ordeal that he went through all these months is finished, it’s behind him. Thank God he survived this.”

Millions of people around the world had prayed for Jackson and he was “overjoyed” at the result. He said he had burst into tears when he heard.

“I am just so emotional. I am just so pleased.

“In an indirect way I started all this, introducing Martin Bashir to Michael Jackson and now all I can say is ‘Thank God’.”

Asked if he felt partly responsible he said: “In a way, yes. We both felt betrayed.”

An overwhelmed Liam Cassidy, speaking for the UK-based Michael Jackson worldwide fan club, said he was “ecstatic” at the verdict.

“This is a vindication for Michael but also a vindication for the fans who have stood by him,” he said.

“It’s amazing, it’s great news.

“It’s the best result and it’s the only result that we should and could have had.”

Mr Cassidy, from Greenwich, south east London, who edits the magazine produced by the fan club, added: “It’s exactly what we expected though.

“From the very start we have said nothing but that the whole thing, the trial, the allegations, everything about it was a farce.

“It was completely untrue.”

Mary Marsh, director of the NSPCC, said: “It’s important that allegations of abuse are fully tested in courts.

“However, it’s equally important that this doesn’t deter people from raising their concerns about child abuse.

“It’s vital that everybody is vigilant about inappropriate behaviour towards children.

“Children need to understand that behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable isn’t acceptable and that talking to someone they trust could help stop any abuse they suffer.”