Jacko Denied Bail Reduction

Interesting insight into the Michael Jackson case in the form of a denial from the judge to a petition from Team Jacko to reduce bail:

In a written ruling, Judge Rodney Melville cited the pop singer’s vast wealth as the reason for not reducing his bail.

He also mentioned a previous alleged plan by Mr Jackson to take his accuser’s family to Brazil “against their will”.

….In the ruling, which was made public on Wednesday, Judge Melville, of Santa Barbara County Superior Court, also said Mr Jackson had the ability to hire private jets and had frequently travelled outside the US.

He added a secret grand jury transcript “provides detailed evidence” that Mr Jackson tried to arrange for the family of the boy he is accused of molesting to travel to Brazil, and family statements indicated “this was being done against their will”.

According to the ruling, Mr Jackson planned to join them in Brazil.

“Assuming this evidence to be true, it demonstrates both the seriousness of the crime and the manner in which defendant handles situations perceived to be difficult,” the ruling said.

Judge Melville wrote that “no amount less than $3m would provide a financial incentive to return and appear for hearings and trial”.

….Mr Jackson’s lawyers had cited his charitable contributions, lack of criminal record and ties to Santa Barbara County in seeking the bail reduction.

Judge Melville acknowledged Mr Jackson lack of prior record, but said this was “partially offset” by previous allegations of child molestation, a reference to a 1993 criminal investigation that never led to charges. [BBC]

This means that the judge views the kidnapping and conspiracy accusations as credible enough to deny bail based at least partly upon them. It means the judge thinks there is a real danger that Jacko would flee.

I find this line especially telling: “Assuming this evidence to be true, it demonstrates both the seriousness of the crime and the manner in which defendant handles situations perceived to be difficult,” ie, he is one twisted mutant.

This ruling comes on the heels of an inquiry by the California Attorney General and the Bureau of Investigation which concluded that wacko Jacko is a lying sacko shito. Things look a little more grim for Pale and Slim.