2:04pm Thursday 14th August 2008
By Rachel Allen
Swindon martial arts guru Matt Fiddes is said to be suing his close friend and famous singer Tito Jackson over unpaid debts.
Mr Fiddes, who grew up in Swindon and has his own martial arts school at Station Road, has filed a claim against superstar Michael Jackson's big brother at Carlisle Crown Court.
Mr Fiddes is taking legal action against Tito Jackson, whom he has always claimed as one of his closest friends alleging he owes £12,051, which he lent to the singer as part of a £20,551 loan.
It is claimed Mr Jackson has only managed to pay £8,500 off the loan.
Mr Fiddes is well known in Swindon for his martial arts skills, and has schools in Swindon and across the world.
It is understood he gave Mr Jackson the loan to pay for flights from the United States to the UK.
The money also covered expenses for a visit and fitness television programme made earlier this year.
Mr Fiddes previously said about the support he received from the Jacksons on his schools: "I'm friends with Michael Jackson and Tito is very close to Michael."
"He has been working in London and he wants to come down to Swindon to see one of my schools in action.
"The whole Jackson family are very supportive of what we are doing and Tito will come down and see what we do in the classes and to sign autographs.
"My best friend is Uri Geller and Uri knew Michael really well so that's how I got to know Michael.
"It was a strange circle of friends for someone so young, but I became Michael's unofficial bodyguard and whenever he came to England and Europe I used to look after him."
Mr Fiddes has been very successful in his work after being bullied during his time at Holy Rood, Lainesmead, St Joseph's and Greendown schools.
Since finishing school he left Swindon aged 16 and has set up more than 400 martial arts schools throughout the UK and Europe.
The businessman believes that by taking up the martial arts lifestyle, young people can move away from the yobbish behaviour which has seen the UK branded as having the most loutish young people in Europe.
Tito Jackson strongly supported Mr Fiddes in his aim to combat bullying and accompanied him to St Catherine's Primary School in Stratton St Margaret to listen to an anti-bullying song by the children.
Mr Fiddes also helped Jermaine Jackson launch an anti-bullying campaign NOBUL at his martial art school in Swindon.
Tito Jackson was also looking for a house in Swindon earlier in the year as he said he felt at home in the town.
The friends were so close that Mr Fiddes invited Mr Jackson to visit his grandparents Robert and Berol, who live in Groundwell Road.
Mr Feddes has since expressed his upset over their fallout. He said: "We have looked after them before, and Tito has even been involved with elements of my marital arts business.
"I have not filed the lawsuit proceedings for the money, it is more about respect and principle of the matter."
Mr Fiddes' solicitor Nicholas Richards, from Carlisle, said: "The presumption is it will lead to a trial unless there is a court settlement."
The pair have worked very closely together on a number of projects including Mr Jackson's fitness video and Mr Fiddes is reported to be a good family friend.
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