Press Association
Monday 15th March 2010
Michael Jackson's doctor has appeared in court in the US charged over the star's death.
Dr Conrad Murray, a Houston cardiologist who was with Jackson when he died, pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter when he appeared at Los Angeles Superior Court.
He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.
Murray appeared in court in a grey suit as Jackson's father Joe, mother Katherine, and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy sat behind prosecutors.
Jackson hired Dr Murray to be his personal physician as he prepared for a strenuous series of comeback performances.
Officials said the singer died in Los Angeles on June 25 after Dr Murray allegedly administered the powerful general anaesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep.
Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz set bail at 75,000 US dollars (£47,900) - three times more than the amount people normally face after being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Dr Murray posted it about two hours later and was released.
His lawyer said outside court that Dr Murray plans to return to practising medicine in Nevada and Texas while he awaits trial. The judge ordered him to return to court on April 5 for a preliminary hearing.
The judge warned Dr Murray he is not to use general anaesthesia on anyone while he is free on bail.
Deputy state attorney general Trina Bell also told the judge the state medical board is planning to seek the suspension of Dr Murray's medical licence. The action would only affect his ability to practise medicine in California.
