Jackson pays staff to dodge legal action

Michael Jackson has agreed to pay his Neverland ranch staff's wages, dodging a court case against him.

The singer will pay at least 30 workers $306,000 (£174,000) after contacting California authorities hours before their deadline ran out.

The California State Department said staff will be paid on Thursday. "There is no need to take legal action in this matter at this time," commented acting labour commissioner Robert Jones.

Jackson was told he could face court and would have to close the ranch if he did not pay. He will still be fined for letting the workplace's insurance run out.