London, Jan 16 : British singer Boy George''s decision not to take to the witness stand in his false imprisonment trial was to spare his mum any further heartache, according to the star''s brother.

The former Culture Club frontman, real name George O''Dowd, was convicted in December (08) of chaining Audun Carlsen to a hook in a bedroom at his east London apartment after suspecting him of tampering with his computer, reports the Mirror.

He had denied the one charge of false imprisonment - but stunned lawmakers when he refused to give evidence to defend himself at London''s Snaresbrook Crown Court.

And O''Dowd''s brother David reveals the singer confessed he would rather face a stint behind bars than hurt his beloved mother - who is battling ill health.

David said the troubled star told him: "I know the likelihood is I'm going to prison, but I couldn't do it for mum's sake. She's dying.

"The only reason I didn't give evidence was for her. She's been through too much in her life already."

O''Dowd will be sentenced on 16 January (09). The maximum term the charge carries is life imprisonment. (ANI)