Jacko's doctor back in court
2010-04-06 22:52
Los Angeles - The doctor accused of manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death returned to court on Monday but no decision was taken on whether he will be allowed to practice medicine as he awaits trial.
Conrad Murray, 57, who pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in February, was flanked by his defence team during the hearing, which was also attended by several members of Jackson's family including his parents.
The hearing came roughly two weeks after California's Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a motion asking the court to suspend Murray's medical license in the state, a move the physician's lawyers had opposed.
However, Pastor did not make any ruling on the license issue on Monday as he fixed a further hearing for June 14, where the issue of Murray's right to practice medicine may be re-examined.
Brown's office said in a filing last month that Murray "administered a lethal dose of propofol, as well as other drugs to Michael Jackson".
"We will argue in court that Murray was reckless in giving Jackson such a dangerous drug and has demonstrated a serious lack of judgment that should prohibit him from practicing medicine."
Murray, who was born in Grenada and grew up in Trinidad before moving to the US, has denied causing the death of the King of Pop on June 25 last year. The court case against him followed a painstaking seven-month probe involving local and federal investigators.
Murray, the last person to see Jackson alive, has admitted administering drugs to the singer to help him sleep shortly before his death.
The doctor, who could face up to four years in prison if convicted, has acknowledged giving the anaesthetic propofol to Jackson following the singer's "repeated demands/requests" for the drug.
- SAPA