Tom Jones’ estranged son struggling as homeless busker

Not having a father growing up was tough. All I ever wanted was his love. People think I look and sound like a younger version of my dad.

LOS ANGELES: Singer Tom Jones (right) could be facing criticism again over his rejection of his illegitimate son Jonathan Berkery, who has been spotted busking in the streets of New Jersey.

Homeless Berkery has been singing his father’s hits while begging for money. Jones has long insisted he wants nothing to do with his son, but Berkery isn’t ready to give up hope.

Berkery, 29, who goes by the name of Jon Jones as he performs covers of songs like ‘Delilah’ and ‘It’s Not Unusual’ on the streets, was recently photographed with a sign reading ‘I need money (please help)’.

He currently lives in a homeless shelter in Hoboken, New Jersey, and scrapes by on just over US$7 (about RM28) an hour stacking shelves at a grocery store.

Berkery was born of an affair between Tom Jones and his mother, a former model named Katherine Berkery. She was just one of many women Jones bedded at the height of his fame despite being married since he was 17, though this affair was the only one to result in a child.

Initially, he denied being the

Jonathan Berkery,Tom Jone’s son

father, but was forced to admit paternity after DNA tests proved it.

Jones then agreed to pay £1,700 a month in child maintenance until Berkery reached 18. Berkery certainly hasn’t had it easy in life; he’s been homeless for several years, struggled with drink and drugs, and has even been arrested for the latter.

“Not having a father growing up was tough,” he told reporters. “All I ever wanted was his love. People think I look and sound like a younger version of my dad. I sing all his songs. People stop and stare as soon as I start singing.”