If the above headline sounds like it might have appeared in the
National Enquirer or on a certain spoof website, that is not unfortunately, the case. Yesterday, it was a big
BBC news story. The incident happened in Oldbury, West Midlands, near Birmingham, where
Black Sabbath was formed. The sounds heard here though were not music but the screams of a young boy. A local woman, Jean Masih was alerted, and she in turn alerted the police. She was interviewed by the Beeb yesterday when details were scarce.
Details are still scarce and will remain so because in the UK any alleged crime involving a child is subject to reporting and legal restrictions that are simply unheard of in the United States. Today, the
Daily Telegraph reported that 49-year old Michael Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Bodman said he was born Albert English but changed his name to impress her. She met him in 1989 when he was working as a DJ on a pirate station. He is also said to be a father of one, but it is not clear from the above if Lisa Bodman is the mother of his child.
According to the initial BBC report, the boy may have been kidnapped by three men with learning difficulties who were living in special accommodation, something that naturally caused concern for local people. A 48-year-old man and a 30-year-old were also detained; the former has been released on bail pending further inquiries; the latter has been released without charge.
The Crown Prosecution Service has also
issued a statement, Emma Garnett, Senior Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands CPS said: "Having carefully examined all of the available information which was submitted to me by the police, I have decided that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Jackson with one count each of kidnap, false imprisonment, threats to kill and sexual assault.
"I have also authorised the police to charge him with one further count of child abduction which is in connection with a separate incident involving an 11 year-old child."
Mr Jackson will be appearing before Warley Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning, Wednesday 16 November.”
