Jacko’s mum in plea to lawyer's for cash handout

A judge has refused a request by Michael Jackson's mother for a cash allowance from her son's estate.

Appeal: Katherine Jackson

Katherine Jackson argues she needs the money as she was "financially dependant" on the King of Pop when he was alive, according to legal papers.

The 79-year-old said she also needs the money to support Jackson's three children, for whom she is caring.

Jackson died four weeks ago but the cause of death, and location of the proposed burial site, remain a mystery.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff refused the request but will re-examine the matter next month.

Jeryll S Cohen, a lawyer for the estate, said: "We are informed that other than extremely modest social security benefits, Mrs Jackson has no independent means of support."

He said there was an "urgent need" for the administrators to be authorised to make maintenance and support payments for Michael Joseph Junior, 12, known as Prince Michael, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, known as Blanket.

Mrs Jackson and the children are the main beneficiaries of Jackson's estate, but require the approval of a judge to collect payments from it.

Authorities in Texas have meanwhile released details of items seized from the Houston office and storage unit of the cardiologist who was with Jackson when he died in LA on 25 June.

In raids on Wednesday, police removed items including a computer, two hard drives, 27 tablets of Phentermine — a prescription-strength appetite suppressant — and one tablet of clonazepam, an anti-anxiety medication.

The officers were looking for "evidence of the offence of manslaughter", according to court papers. At least two investigations are under way into the singer's death.