JACKSON'S NEVERLAND RANCH SHUT DOWN

Last updated: Friday, March 10, 2006

JACKSON'S NEVERLAND RANCH SHUT DOWN

Troubled singer MICHAEL JACKSON has been ordered to shut down his Neverland Valley Ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley after failing to pay his employees or renew their insurance policies.

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California

California's State Labor Commissioner shut down the 2,800-acre (1,130-hectare) estate on Thursday (09MAR06) and has fined the THRILLER singer $169,000 (GBP99,400) after discovering his workers' compensation policy lapsed in January (06).

Department of Industrial Relations spokesman DEAN FRYER said yesterday, "We went out there this morning and issued a stop order to the security guard at the front gate. We asked to be escorted in to meet management, but we were refused and turned away, so we gave the order to (the guard).

"So it looks like this would mean for Neverland Valley Ranch that they would be closed down."

State law demands anyone who employs more than one staff member must have workers' compensation policy. Jackson will only be allowed to open the ranch again if he renews his employees' insurance and could face legal action unless he pays the back wages.

Earlier this week (begs06MAR06), the superstar was cited for violating state labour laws after failing to pay over 30 Neverland workers since December (05).

The animals in Neverland's zoo - including elephants, tigers and a crocodile - will be cared for by animal welfare officers.

The singer has been living with his three children in Bahrain since July (05) - one month after he was acquitted of all charges in his child molestation trial.

| Friday, March 10, 2006

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JACKSON'S NEVERLAND RANCH SHUT DOWN

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