26.01.2011, 15:29 8276

Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty

Michael Jackson's doctor has pleaded not guilty and is ready to go to trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the superstar's death, the agency reports.

Almaty. January 26. Kazakhstan Today - Michael Jackson's doctor has pleaded not guilty and is ready to go to trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the superstar's death, the agency reports.

Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the pop superstar's death as the case moved rapidly toward a trial that will likely be televised, The Telegraph reported.

Your honour, I am an innocent man," Dr. Conrad Murray told Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor in a soft voice. "I definitely plead not guilty."

Lawyers for Dr Murray, who is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol and other sedatives, said they would be ready to go to trial within the 60-day statutory time limit, which would make for an unusually speedy trial.

"Dr. Murray is looking forward to finally telling his side of the story," defence attorney Ed Chernoff said outside court.

If convicted, Murray could face a maximum of four years in prison. But his defense is not just an effort to avoid prison; it's a fight for his professional life, Star Tribune informed.

Michael Jackson, 50, died of a propofol overdose in combination with other drugs on June 25, 2009. His death was classified as a homicide.

Murray's behavior before and after Jackson stopped breathing was detailed by household staff and paramedics. It was backed up with phone records, e-mails and, most importantly, a transcript of Murray's nearly three-hour interview with police.

Murray said he gave Jackson a low dose of propofol after spending 10 hours trying to get him to sleep using other drugs. When the star appeared to doze off, Murray said he left the room for two minutes to go to the bathroom, then returned to find Jackson not breathing.

"Murray's team has many questions to answer, including why he left the singer without a monitor, why he delayed calling 911, why he attempted CPR on a bed rather than the floor, and why he did not tell paramedics he had given Jackson propofol," said criminal defense attorney Steve Cron.

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