On the day of Gordon’s pre-Budget report (due at 1530) here is a bit of celebrity legal news to distraction you from the economic misery…

The King of Bahrain’s son, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, sued Jacko in the High Court for £4.7m, claiming he reneged on a music contract. Perpetuating his habit of getting attention more for court proceedings than concerts these days, Jacko contested the claim, saying there was no valid agreement.

However, it is understood that the parties made an agreement in principle just as Jacko was about to board a flight to the UK. A spokesman said his legal team told him to postpone the trip.

And whilst we are on the subject of celebrities and the Law…

Meanwhile, in a totally unrelated article, Pammy has posted on her official website some advice for President-elect Barack Obama this week.  In addition to promoting vegeterianism as a way to help the environment, Pam says “Government must Castrate every molester-or potential molester.” Click here to fully digest Pam’s words of wisdom.

Also hitting the news is the Ecclestone divorce – the tabloids will no doubt be rubbing their hands after the Ritchie-Madonna divorce turned into a bit of a damp squib (in tabloid terms obviously).  Withers and West End firm Clintons are set to square up against each other for the case. Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth is estimated at £2.4bn, has instructed Withers family partner Mark Harper, who recently represented John Charman in the landmark Court of Appeal case resulting in a £48m settlement. Slavica Ecclestone has instructed Clintons divorce lawyer Liz Vernon.