Michael Jackson has agreed an out-of-court settlement with the second son of the King of Bahrain and will no longer fly to the UK, it's been announced.

Jackson had been due to arrive in London today (November 24th) to give evidence to try and counter allegations that he breached a recording contract with Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

The singer's spokeswoman said both parties had concluded a "settlement in principle" just as Jackson was boarding a plane to London.

Jackson was being sued for £4.7million by the Sheikh, who housed the singer in Bahrain after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.

In return for his hospitality, he claimed Jackson agreed to record new material at a purpose built studio at his former Neverland home, write an autobiography and put on a stage show.

The pair developed a "close personal relationship" during Jackson's stay, the Sheik's lawyer, Bankim Thanki, told the court last Monday.

Jackson contested that a deal wasn't struck between the pair and said the financial donations were "gifts".

The Sheik's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence”, he added.

Mr Thanki had said a track Jackson recorded would be played to the court during the 12-day trial.

(by Jason Gregory)