Dr. Conrad Murray pleads not guilty in Jackson case

Dr. Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.

The medic - who was the 'Thriller' singer's personal physician - appeared in front of Judge Michael Pastor today (25.01.11) at the Los Angeles County Superior Court and insisted he was "an innocent man".

Members of Michael's family, including his mother Katherine and his brother Randy, were in court to hear Dr. Murray's plea.

Earlier this month, Dr. Murray - who was with Michael when he died of acute intoxication by the hospital grade anaesthetic Propofol at his Los Angeles home in June 2009 - was ordered to stand trial by Judge Pastor for involuntary manslaughter after a number of witnesses raised questions over his professional conduct.

During the preliminary hearing - where the prosecution had to convince the judge there is sufficient evidence for a full trial - witnesses included paramedics who attended the home where Michael died, his personal bodyguard and a Los Angeles detective who interviewed Dr. Murray.

The prosecution sought to show Dr. Murray had administered Propofol to his client on the day of his death before leaving him unmonitored.

Court testimonies further alleged Dr. Murray had not appeared to know how to correctly administer CPR, had tried to hide evidence of the medication he had been giving Michael and that by the time he called medics his client had already passed away.

The six-day hearing ended with testimony from two doctors who said they felt Dr. Murray acted outside of standard of medical care.

The 57-year-old medic - who was released on $75,000 bail - will next appear in court on February 7 and the selection of the jury for his trial will begin on March 28.

If convicted, Dr. Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison.