Jackson father in ulcer operation

Joseph Jackson is said to be recovering well

Michael Jackson's father, Joseph, has had surgery to fix two bleeding ulcers in his stomach.

Mr Jackson went to hospital in Los Angeles with what he believed was food poisoning, but doctors detected an ulcer, his lawyer, Debra Opri, said.

"Everything is terrific, he's doing great and the ulcers have been resolved," Ms Opri added.

In the late 1960s, Mr Jackson turned five of his sons into the Jackson 5, making them into global stars.

Recently, he hired Ms Opri to act as an "extra pair of eyes" for him during Michael Jackson's child molestation case.

He has attended several hearings in the case, although he was absent from a hearing last week which was attended by several other family members.

Michael Jackson has pleaded not guilty to child molestation and conspiracy charges. His trial is due to start on 31 January 2005.