Michael Jackson Doctor Charged

Michael Jackson's former doctor has been charged with involuntary manslaughter relating to the singer's death.

Michael Jackson's death shook the world of entertainment and brought and end to one of the saddest declines pop music has seen. The singer was collapsed at his home on June 25th and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Almost immediately, suspicions were raised about the possibility of Michael Jackson being murdered. The singer's personal physician Dr Conrad Murray was at the centre of rumours, with the medical professional being charged with involuntary manslaughter yesterday (February 8th).

The doctor immediately denied the charges, and was later bailed. BBC News reports Judge Keith Schwartz as telling Doctor Murray: "You may not under any circumstances use any anaesthetic agents, specifically Propofol."

"You are not to be using that, you're not to prescribe that, you're not to have it in any manner whatsoever... and you are not to give any other heavy sedative medications like that."

Jackson's family were reported to be unhappy with the level of bail money, set at $75,000. Mark Lester, who is godfather to one of Michael Jackson's children, told the BBC's Newshour that he hoped the case would prevent similar deaths.

"At the end of the day it's not going to bring Michael back. There has to be some punishment meted out if only to prevent a further occurrence of this happening" he said. "It's just the most horrible, horrible scenario. There are no winners here."

However Dr Conrad Murray continues to deny the charges. The physician's lawyer Ed Chernoff revealed that the doctor was prepared for the legal battle ahead.

"We'll make bail, we'll plead not guilty and we'll fight like hell," he said.