A MILLIONAIRE who could be called as a witness in the Michael Jackson trial fears the star could commit suicide.

Club owner Terry George, of Stainland, said he thinks the pop megastar will kill himself rather than go to jail.

And the 39-year-old confirmed he had been contacted by the legal team prosecuting Jackson on child abuse charges and told to expect to have to appear at the Santa Maria trial.

The prosecution believe a phone conversation between Mr George and Jackson in 1979 could be key evidence.

Mr George met Jackson as a 13-year-old schoolboy when the star was staying in Leeds while on tour. A relationship developed between the two and they often spoke on the telephone.

In January Mr George told the Examiner how during one conversation Jackson said he was fondling himself and asked him to join in.

"I fear for him and I keep expecting to hear a news flash that he has done

something stupid - I think he would kill himself rather than go to prison," said Mr George.

"I am obviously following the trial very closely and I am in regular contact with people in the US. I have been told not to book any holidays.

"I am expecting to be called now the judge has ruled that evidence from previous allegations can be used in court."

But Mr George said he is dreading having to testify as it might contribute to Michael Jackson being caged.

"I do feel sorry for him," he said. "Every day he seems to be deteriorating. He is not handling it well.

"I don't know if the other allegations are true but I don't feel any animosity towards him for what happened.

"I think he was just a curious young man. I would hate to be involved in his downfall.

"I don't think anybody wants to stand in the witness box and see Michael Jackson sent to prison because of something they have said.

"I hope he is not guilty but I agree if he has done it and that is proved he must be punished."

Mr George, who also owns several flats in Huddersfield town centre, was first contacted by detective Paul Zelis, of Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, in January.

Michael Jackson has pleaded not guilty.